What does hospice care mean for people with cancer?

In order for terminal cancer patients to have peace of mind in the last moments of their lives, end-of-life care for cancer patients has a very sacred and important meaning.

How cancer causes death is different for each patient. This process can depend on the type of cancer, its location, and how quickly it grows in the body. Some types of cancer can cause death for patients such as stomach cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer,...
For For some people, when the cancer is not controlled, it spreads to healthy tissues and organs. Cancer cells take up needed space and nutrients that would otherwise be used by healthy organs, rendering them unable to function. In many other cases, complications from treatment can also be fatal.

Several signs and symptoms can help caregivers predict a patient is approaching the last minutes of life, including:
Loss of interest in things around. Lots of sleep, lots of sleep. Confusion Confusion. pain is hard to control. Health is getting weaker and weaker. Loss of appetite.

Difficulty swallowing. Pale skin. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Decreased urine output. Breathing may be cyclically slow or faster. Throat wheezing.

Some signs that a person has died from cancer include:
No longer breathing and no pulse. The eyes do not move or blink, and the pupils dilate (widen). The eyelids may be slightly open. Mouth slightly open. Loss of control of urination and defecation. Doesn't react to being touched or talked to. The skin is very pale and feels cold to the touch.

To help terminal cancer patients feel comfortable and enjoy the last moments of life, relatives and families should follow these guidelines:
Let the patient rest in a place Quiet, avoid noise that startles the patient. Help the patient move and change position after 1-2 hours. Give the patient pain medication. Avoid hard foods. Place a cool, damp cloth over the skin, forehead, or body for comfort. Try to spend as much time as possible with the patient while they are awake.

Talking to sick people in pain needs to be gentle and calm so that they don't panic. Always keep the patient's lips moist. Keep the patient warm with a blanket or heater. Elevate the head to make the patient more comfortable. Use pillows to support the patient's chest and head.

Sometimes the patient's family needs the help of palliative care professionals because the patient's health can lead to worsening situations, for example the following cases:
The patient has pain that not relieved by prescribed doses of pain relievers. The patient is experiencing new symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, increased confusion, anxiety, or restlessness. The patient is experiencing symptoms that were previously well controlled. The patient experiences discomfort, such as grimacing or groaning. The patient has difficulty breathing.

Patient is unable to urinate or defecate. The patient fell. The patient is very depressed or talks about suicide. Caregivers have difficulty giving the patient medication. Caregivers are overwhelmed by caring for the patient, are too sad, or are afraid to be with the patient. Caregivers don't know how to handle a certain situation. Palliative care units can help cancer patients reduce pain, create a comfortable, friendly environment; help patients improve and improve their quality of life, reduce the burden on the patient's relatives.

When a patient with cancer is determined that the cancer is no longer under control, medical testing and cancer treatment will stop. However, the patient's loved ones need to continue to care for and focus on improving the patient's quality of life, helping the patient feel comfortable in the last days of life.
Medicines and treatments at the end of life can control pain and other symptoms, such as constipation, nausea, and shortness of breath. Some people remain at home and receive these treatments, while others may receive care in a hospital or other medical facility.
Communication about hospice and decision making in the final months of a person's life is very important. Research has shown that if a person with cancer is introduced to their care options with a doctor early on, their stress levels are greatly reduced and their ability to cope with the disease is greatly reduced. increase.

Oncology Department - Vinmec International General Hospital currently offers pain treatment and palliative care for cancer patients, helping to make the life of terminal cancer patients lighter and more meaningful.

References: Cancer.gov