Palliative Oncology

Pain management and end-stage comfort care.

Palliative care improves quality of life for people with serious illness—at any stage, not just end-of-life. In oncology, it means controlling pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, mood changes, and helping families plan care.

When It’s Needed

• Advanced or metastatic cancer.
• Difficult symptoms during active treatment.
• Refractory pain or treatment side effects.
• Emotional stress in patients or caregivers.
• Transition to comfort-focused goals.

Assessment

Dr. Joshi reviews symptom scores, lab trends, treatment burden, personal goals, and spiritual/cultural wishes.

Treatment & Support

• Pain relief (oral, injectable, nerve blocks via referral).
• Anti-nausea, bowel care, sleep, and appetite management.
• Advanced care planning conversations.
• Home-based care guidance when feasible.
• Family counselling and bereavement support networks.