Cancer and its treatments may cause a wide range of symptoms, and palliative care helps manage these effectively. Common symptoms include pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, breathlessness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Patients may also experience neuropathy, weakness, difficulty swallowing, or treatment-related side effects that affect daily living. The aim of palliative care is to reduce these symptoms and help patients maintain comfort, dignity, and independence.

Symptoms in cancer patients can arise from multiple factors. The tumor itself may exert pressure on organs or tissues, causing pain or dysfunction. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation frequently lead to side effects like nausea, hair loss, mouth ulcers, immune suppression, or digestive disturbances. Emotional stress, fear of disease progression, and social challenges can also contribute to psychological symptoms. Palliative care identifies the root causes of discomfort and treats them holistically.

Palliative & Supportive Oncology Care uses a combination of medical, emotional, and social support strategies. Pain management may include medications, nerve blocks, or physiotherapy. Nausea and digestive issues are controlled with targeted drugs, dietary guidance, and hydration support. Breathlessness and fatigue are addressed through breathing exercises, oxygen therapy, and energy-conservation techniques. Psychologists and counselors offer emotional support, helping patients cope with anxiety, fear, and depression.

Nutrition counseling ensures patients receive adequate nourishment to maintain strength. Rehabilitation therapies—like physiotherapy and occupational therapy—help improve mobility, balance, and daily functioning. In advanced stages, palliative care also supports end-of-life decision-making, ensuring comfort and dignity.