What Is Supportive Care?
Supportive care in cancer is the prevention and management of adverse effects of cancer and its treatment.
- Alleviation of symptoms and complications of cancer
- Prevention or reduction of treatment toxicities
- Improved communication between people with cancer and caregivers about disease and prognosis
- Increased tolerance, and thus benefits, of active therapy
- Easing of the emotional burden for people with cancer and caregivers
- Psychosocial support for cancer survivors
Principles of Supportive Care
Person-Centered
Focused on the individual, not just their cancer
Holistic
Includes emotional, physical, and practical support
Across the Cancer Continuum
From diagnosis through to end-of-life care
For Everyone
A basic right regardless of cancer type or stage
"Supportive care is about treating the person, whilst oncology is treating their cancer."
-Andrew Davies, MD FRCP
Supportive Care Makes Excellent Cancer Care Possible
People with cancer face many challenges—not just from the illness itself, but also from its treatment. These can include:
- Pain, fatigue, and emotional stress
- Side effects like nausea, skin irritation, or mouth sores
- Disruptions in daily life—like difficulty working or socializing
Left unmanaged, these issues can:
- Delay or interrupt treatment
- Force dose reductions
- Lead to worse health outcomes
That’s why supportive care isn’t optional—it’s essential.
What Is Supportive Care?
Supportive care in cancer is the prevention and management of side effects and complications caused by cancer and its treatment. It’s part of your care from diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond—into survivorship or palliative care.
Supportive care improves:
- Quality of life
- Recovery and rehabilitation
- Emotional resilience
- Tolerance to cancer treatments
How Supportive Care Helps:
✅ Eases symptoms and treatment side effects
✅ Helps patients tolerate chemotherapy or radiation better
✅ Enhances communication and care planning
✅ Offers emotional and psychological support
✅ Reduces caregiver burden
✅ Improves long-term outcomes and survival
🧭 Principles of Supportive Care
🧍♂️ Person-centered: Focused on you, not just your cancer
🌀 Holistic: Includes emotional, physical, and practical support
👨👩👧👦 Inclusive: Supports family and caregivers
🕒 Across all stages: From diagnosis to end-of-life
🌍 For everyone: Regardless of cancer type, stage, or treatment center
📌 Supportive care ensures you’re not just surviving cancer—but living through it with dignity, support, and strength.