Why it's done

Palliative care may be offered to people of any age who have a serious or life-threatening illness. It can help adults and children living with illnesses such as:

• Cancer
• Blood and bone marrow disorders requiring stem cell transplant
• Heart disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Dementia
• End-stage liver disease
• Kidney failure
• Lung disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke

Symptoms that may be improved by palliative care include:

• Pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Depression or sadness
• Constipation
• Difficulty breathing
• Anorexia
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping