Palliative

Information for you

Many patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will have advanced, late stage disease. For the majority of patients, a pancreatic cancer diagnosis means good supportive care and palliation.

Identifying these patients as heading towards the end of their life can help you to ensure that you understand your patient and their loved one’s priorities and can establish a care plan as soon as possible.

Supporting your patients to make advance planning decisions and manage their symptoms are priorities.

Resources for your patient

Macmillan Cancer Support produce a range of publications to support patients with advanced cancer as well as their carers. These range from coping with the news and practical considerations through to what to expect at the end of life. Booklets also come in easy read formats and patients can engage with specialist nurses and other people in a similar situation on their forums.

Coming soon

Pancreatic Cancer Action are producing palliative care information in the form of a booklet with a complementary carer’s information booklet. This will contain information for patients to help them prepare for the end of life, how to plan and what to expect.

The carers booklet includes information to guide carers through the end life process, how to access support, what do after a death and bereavement. Both booklets will help to supplement your discussions with patients and those who are important to them.

If you would like to know when these booklets will be available please sign up to our healthcare professional e-newsletter.