Supportive Care

Synonyms

Palliative care

Definition

Supportive care refers to those services, both specialist and generalist, that might be required by people affected by cancer (patients and family members) to meet the many needs associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Thus, supportive care is provided across the continuum of the cancer journey, from the point when the possibility of cancer is first raised, through diagnosis and treatment and into palliative care or survival.

Characteristics

Supportive care has been referred to as an “umbrella” term to describe the many services involved in assisting people affected by cancer and their families to live well and manage the many needs that arise from having cancer and receiving cancer treatment. There is growing evidence that the needs of people with cancer are numerous, and that despite increased awareness by health professionals about these needs, they frequently remain unmet. Needs relate to many domains but are often classified as...