Palliative and Supportive Cancer Care in Akola

Palliative care at Niramay Hospital, Akola, is care that eases pain and other symptoms and supports patients and families at any stage of cancer. It is given alongside cancer treatment, not only at the end of life. Dr. Shraddha Sor, Palliative Care, leads this care with the oncology team.

पॅलिएटिव्ह आणि सहायक कर्करोग काळजी — वेदना व लक्षणांवर नियंत्रण, कुटुंबासाठी मार्गदर्शन.

What palliative care is

Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life. It treats symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea, tiredness and loss of appetite, and it supports the patient and family emotionally and practically. It can begin at diagnosis and continue with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Who may benefit

Patients with pain or other symptoms from cancer or its treatment
Patients with advanced cancer, and their families
Patients who need help with nutrition, swallowing or feeding
Families who need guidance on caring for a patient at home

What the team can help with

Pain relief, including strong pain medicines used safely under medical supervision

Control of nausea, breathlessness, constipation, sleep problems and wound care
Nutrition advice and feeding support
Emotional support, counselling and help with difficult decisions
Guidance for family members on care at home and what to do in a crisis
Care in the final stage of illness, with dignity and comfort

How it works

The team assesses your symptoms, goals and wishes, and agrees a plan with you and your family. The plan is reviewed regularly and changed as needs change. Patients are never denied cancer treatment because they receive palliative care.

Post-Treatment Care and Rehabilitation

Palliative and supportive care does not end when a treatment cycle ends. It continues alongside, and after, cancer treatment to keep you comfortable, independent and supported for as long as you need it. It can begin at any stage of illness, not only at the end of life.

Ongoing symptom review

regular check-ups for pain, breathlessness, nausea, constipation, poor appetite, fatigue, sleep problems and anxiety, with treatment adjusted as needs change.

Pain management

step-by-step pain relief, including strong pain medicines such as morphine where needed, prescribed and monitored by trained doctors. Under India’s NDPS Amendment Act, 2014, morphine is classed as an essential narcotic drug for medical use (Pallium India).

Rehabilitation

physiotherapy and occupational therapy to preserve mobility, strength and daily independence, with aids and exercise plans suited to your condition.

Wound, stoma and lymphoedema care

dressings, drain and stoma management, and swelling control, with training for family members.

Nutrition and hydration guidance

diet plans for people with low appetite, swallowing difficulty or feeding tubes.

Emotional, social and spiritual support

counselling for patients and families, with respect for your beliefs and cultural practices.

Caregiver training and support

practical teaching on medicines, hygiene, positioning and safe handling, plus support for caregiver stress.

Home-care guidance

advice on managing at home, when to call us, and when to come to the hospital.

Advance care planning

unhurried conversations about your wishes and preferences for future care, so they are understood and respected.

Bereavement support

counselling for families after the loss of a loved one.

Contact your care team promptly if you have: uncontrolled pain, repeated vomiting, sudden breathlessness, confusion, bleeding, fever, or inability to eat or drink.

Treatment Success and Survival Rates

Palliative care is not measured mainly by cure or survival time. Success means comfort, fewer distressing symptoms, better mood, and care that matches what matters to you and your family.

Aim of care

the World Health Organization describes palliative care as an approach that improves quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening illness, by preventing and relieving suffering. It can be given together with treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy (WHO definition, as reproduced by GVSU).

Early involvement helps

WHO notes that bringing palliative care in early improves quality of life and can reduce unnecessary hospital admissions (WHO Europe).

Evidence from research

in a randomised trial of 151 patients with advanced lung cancer, those who received early palliative care alongside standard cancer treatment reported better quality of life and mood than those who did not (NEJM 2010, as summarised by Radiology Business). That trial studied one cancer type, so results may differ for others.

Fewer burdensome interventions

the same trial found less aggressive care at the end of life in the early palliative care group.

What this page does not promise

palliative care does not guarantee longer survival or relief of every symptom. Each plan is tailored to the individual.

What Happens During Your Visit

1. Consultation

The doctor listens to your concerns, reviews your history and goes through your reports.

2. Tests, if needed

The team may advise scans, biopsy, pathology or staging tests to understand the condition.

3. Treatment planning

Once reports are ready, the doctor explains the diagnosis, options, sequence of care and follow-up in simple language.

4. Treatment and recovery

If treatment is needed, the team coordinates it and stays involved through recovery and follow-up.

If you or a family member needs guidance
on palliative care

Start with a consultation. Bring your reports and the doctor will explain the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is palliative care only for the last days of life?

No. It can be given at any stage of cancer, along with other treatment.

Does palliative care mean treatment has stopped?

No. It is an extra layer of support. Treatment continues when it is suitable.

Are pain medicines addictive?

When used under a doctor’s supervision for cancer pain, they are used safely. The doctor will explain the dose and precautions.

Can my family be involved?

Yes. Family members are encouraged to take part in discussions and to ask questions.

Can care continue at home?

The team can guide families on home care and when to contact the hospital.

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