Choices for Care When Treatment May Not Be an Option

When dealing with advanced cancer that can no longer be treated (also called terminal or end-stage), people have different goals for their care. These goals may change over time. Some people want to look for clinical trials. Others choose options such as palliative care or hospice care, which help control the symptoms and side effects of the disease.

Decisions for Care when Cancer is Terminal

Decisions for care when cancer is terminal are very personal, and it's natural to want to do all you can. But you should weigh these feelings against the risks and benefits of available treatments as well as your own feelings about life and death. You should ask all the questions you need to. If you choose not to go through more active cancer treatment, you can continue to receive supportive care to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Clinical Trials for Advanced Cancer

People with end-stage cancer may be offered the option to take part in early-phase clinical trials. These trials are designed to look at the safety of a new treatment and to identify the best dose.