Caring for someone with advanced cancer

Although advanced cancer is unlikely to be cured, it can often be managed, sometimes for years. Even so, caring for someone with advanced cancer can feel overwhelming.

Palliative care is not just for end-of-life care – it can help at any stage of advanced cancer. The palliative care team also offers support to families and carers.

Learn about the common issues you may face as you care for someone with advanced cancer, people who can help and where to find more information.

Now is the time to encourage the person with advanced cancer to sort out legal arrangements and talk about their treatment preferences and values with family, friends and the health care team.

It can be confronting to talk about death and dying, but it is important to discuss the options for where the person may die and to understand their wishes.

A life-limiting illness offers time to say goodbye. You can encourage the person with advanced cancer to share their feelings, and you can share your own in return.

Learn about the range of emotions you may feel after a person close to you dies, and ways to cope with these emotions.