Palliative care is a type of medical care given to patients with a serious or life-threatening illness, such as cancer. Palliative medicine addresses the needs of the entire patient: mind, body, and spirit. Palliative medicine intends to alleviate suffering, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and existential symptoms for those whose illness impacts their daily lives. Total pain is defined here as well nonpharmacological interventions that may be helpful in addressing the care of these patients. To comprehensively address these holistic domains, an interprofessional approach to care is crucial. This chapter discusses the unique emotional, spiritual, and cultural challenges of the cancer patient.
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