Many people with CUP receive palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

In all patients with CUP, palliative care interventions should be considered and utilised as appropriate (NCCN 2017). It is preferable for specialist palliative care to be initiated during the diagnostic stage, and for the majority of patients this will remain the most important intervention during their illness (Abdallah et al. 2014). Palliative care is integral throughout the patient pathway, and people who have undergone early integrated palliative care build rapport with their oncologist and are more likely to discuss end-of-life care wishes (Temel et al. 2017).

Early referral to palliative care can improve the quality of life for people with cancer (Haines 2011, Temel et al. 2010, Temel et al. 2017, Zimmermann et al. 2014) including better management of physical and psychological symptoms. This is particularly true for poor-prognosis cancers (Cancer Council Australia 2017, Philip et al. 2013, Temel et al. 2010, Temel et al. 2017). Furthermore, palliative care has been associated with the improved wellbeing of carers (Higginson 2010, Hudson et al. 2014).

Ensure carers and families receive information, support and guidance regarding their role according to their needs and wishes (Palliative Care Australia 2005).

The patient and carer should be encouraged to develop an advance care plan (AHMAC 2011).

Further information

Refer patients and carers to Palliative Care Australia.