Pain and Palliative Care
At Andromeda Cancer Hospital, we understand that quality of life is as important for an individual as the quantity of life. With this background, palliative and supportive care has been given an important place in the treatment armamentarium at the Hospital.
While pain has been recognised as a major problem in cancer patients and has been the focus of palliative care for a long time, other symptoms that affect quality of life have received greater recognition in recent years.
Our Department of Pain and Palliative Care is dedicated to providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, and emotional distress for patients facing cancer at any stage. We work closely with patients, families, and the oncology team to ensure comfort, dignity, and holistic well-being.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care focused on providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms of serious illnesses like cancer. It aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families, regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for other treatments.
Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care – it is beneficial from the time of diagnosis and continues alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments.
Our Services
1. Pain Management
Comprehensive pain assessment
Use of WHO analgesic ladder
Opioid and non-opioid medications
Nerve blocks and other interventional procedures
Management of neuropathic and cancer-related pain
2. Symptom Control
Management of nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite
Breathlessness and fluid retention
Wound care for cancer-related ulcers or fungating masses
3. Psychosocial Support
Emotional and psychological counselling
Family support and caregiver guidance
Addressing anxiety, depression, and fear
4. End-of-Life Care
Symptom control in terminal stages
Spiritual support and dignity in dying
Home-based palliative care coordination
Advance care planning and support with legal documentation
5. Coordination of Care
Working alongside oncologists, surgeons, and radiotherapists
Integrating palliative services early in cancer treatment
Smooth transition between hospital and home care
Who Can Benefit from Palliative Care?
Palliative care is helpful for:
- Patients undergoing active cancer treatment
- Patients with advanced or metastatic cancer
- Patients experiencing significant side effects from therapy
- Patients with recurrent or incurable disease
- Patients and families needing support in complex decisions
Why Choose Our Palliative Care Team?
Expert team of pain specialists and palliative care doctors
Multidisciplinary support including counsellors, nurses, and social workers
Personalized care plans based on individual needs and values
Emphasis on dignity, compassion, and respect
Seamless collaboration with other departments
Our Facilities
- Dedicated palliative care consultation room
- Private and peaceful inpatient care areas
- Access to pharmacy services for pain medication
- Support for home care arrangements if needed
Patient and Family Education
We believe in empowering patients and caregivers through:
- Regular counselling sessions
- Practical training on home-based symptom care
- Guidance on medication use and side-effect management
- Information on legal rights and palliative resources
Conclusion
At Andromeda Cancer Hospital, our Department of Pain and Palliative Care stands as a pillar of compassionate, patient-centered support through every stage of the cancer journey. We are committed to alleviating pain, easing distressing symptoms, and providing emotional strength—not just to our patients, but to their families as well. Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or navigating advanced stages of illness, our team is here to ensure comfort, dignity, and a better quality of life. Because at Andromeda, we believe that every moment matters.
FAQs
Q. Is palliative care only for terminal cancer patients?
No. Palliative care can start from the time of diagnosis and is helpful at any stage of the disease
Q. Will receiving palliative care mean stopping other treatments?
Not at all. It is provided alongside cancer-directed treatments and helps manage symptoms better.
Q. Can pain always be controlled?
In most cases, pain can be effectively managed with medications and interventions.
Q. Is palliative care available at home?
Yes. We help coordinate home-based palliative care services and offer guidance for caregivers.
Q. How do I get referred to the palliative care team?
You can request a referral through your primary cancer doctor or contact our department directly.