Why is Palliative Care Critical?

CanSupportKnowledge

There is a global rise in non-communicable diseases and ageing populations. Diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's etc require continuous care and ongoing alleviation from their symptoms.

Key Facts

Every year 700,000 patients are diagnosed with cancer in India.

Only 1% of Indian patients in need of palliative care actually receive it.

30% of Indian households are financially vulnerable. This rises to 86% if there is a sudden medical expense of ₹100,000

Benefits of palliative care

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that including palliative care along with standard treatment improves quality of life and helps people with cancer live longer.

Benefits of palliative care for cancer patients include:

  • The ability to fully complete treatment
  • Improved quality of life during treatment
  • Increased ability to perform daily activities
  • Living longer
  • Improved ability to deal with the emotions
  • Increased connection to social support
  • Fewer hospitalizations

There is a huge unmet need for palliative care for chronic life-limiting health problems, especially cancer, in most parts of the country.