How does hospice help patients with cancer?

Cancer is the most common diagnosis for hospice patients, and our team is experienced in the specific comfort needs that arise from advanced cancer. These include complex pain management, wound care for cancer-related skin breakdown, managing fatigue and nausea from disease progression, and addressing the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis.

One of the most valuable things hospice offers cancer patients is expert pain control. Our nurses and medical director are skilled in using opioids and adjuvant medications effectively, preventing under-treatment of pain while minimizing side effects. Patients who have struggled to get adequate pain relief elsewhere often find significant improvement once under hospice care.

When an oncologist determines that further treatment is not beneficial, transitioning to hospice can happen quickly. We work directly with oncologists and cancer centers throughout Southern California to facilitate smooth transitions. Many cancer patients and families report that hospice gave them a quality of life they had not experienced in months and time together that was genuinely meaningful.