Palliative care in cancer patients aims to do which of the following?

Palliative care in cancer patients aims to do which of the following?

• A. Use of chemotherapeutic drugs to eliminate cancer cells
• B. Subjecting the patient to radiation therapy
• C. Relieve symptoms and pain to improve quality of life
• D. Cure the cancer completely

Answer: (C)

Palliative care focuses on relieving distressing symptoms and improving comfort and quality of life for people with cancer. It involves managing pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, and other physical symptoms, as well as addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs to support the patient and family. This care can be provided alongside treatments aimed at the cancer, but its primary aim is not to cure or eradicate the disease. Procedures like chemotherapy or radiation target the cancer itself, and may be pursued for disease control or cure, whereas palliative care centers on comfort and daily well-being regardless of disease status.

Palliative care focuses on relieving distressing symptoms and improving comfort and quality of life for people with cancer. It involves managing pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, and other physical symptoms, as well as addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs to support the patient and family. This care can be provided alongside treatments aimed at the cancer, but its primary aim is not to cure or eradicate the disease. Procedures like chemotherapy or radiation target the cancer itself, and may be pursued for disease control or cure, whereas palliative care centers on comfort and daily well-being regardless of disease status.