Need to talk about end of life care?
Our nurses are just a phone call away. They can talk for as long as you need. You can also contact them by email.
What to expect: Care if your cancer can’t be cured
If you have pancreatic cancer that can't be cured, your care will focus on helping you to live as well as possible for as long as possible.
What’s in the What to expect from your care section?
- What to expect from your care if you have pancreatic cancer
- What to expect: Who should manage your care?
- What to expect: Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options
- What to expect: Care if your cancer can’t be cured
- What to expect: How will symptoms and side effects be managed?
- What to expect: Practical and emotional support
- What to expect: What information and support is there for families?
- What to expect: Support if you have concerns about your care
Palliative and supportive care
If you have cancer that can’t be cured, you may see a specialist palliative or supportive care team. These teams help people to live as well as possible for as long as possible.
Palliative care is not just for people at the end of their life. It is available at any point during your treatment or care. It aims to manage any symptoms you may have, as well as emotional, physical, practical and spiritual support. Supportive care is similar. It aims to make sure that you get this support from a very early stage in your care.
Your healthcare team should tell you what to expect and make sure you have the support you need.
Thinking about your future care
You should be supported to think about how you would like to be cared for in the future, as your health changes. This might include what care you would or wouldn’t want, and where you want to receive any care. This is called advance care planning.
You may want to create a written record of your wishes and share this with your family, healthcare team and GP. You can change your wishes at any time.
If you need end of life care
Accessing end of life care
If you are approaching the end of your life, your care will focus on managing any symptoms you have, as well as supporting you emotionally and practically. It aims to help you live as well and as comfortably as possible.
If you haven’t been referred to specialist palliative care services, ask your GP, district nurse or hospital team about whether a referral would be helpful.
Well coordinated care
You should get well coordinated care towards the end of your life. The healthcare team looking after you may include your GP, a district nurse, your local hospice or a specialist palliative care team.
Contact a nurse
Updated August 2024
Review date August 2026