Preparing for the End of Life
Information for patients, their families and friends about grief and bereavement, hospice care, and end-of-life planning.
On this page:
Last Days of Life
Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss
Spirituality
More Information about End-of-Life Care
Last Days of Life
- Last Days of Life (PDQ®)
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
Expert-reviewed information summary about care during the last days to last hours of life, including common symptoms, ethical dilemmas that may arise, and the role of the oncologist in caring for patients and their families during this time.
Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss
- Grief, Bereavement, and Coping With Loss (PDQ®)
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
Expert-reviewed report about grief, bereavement, and feelings of loss in survivors of someone who has died of cancer. Grief in children is also discussed.
Spirituality
- Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®)
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
Expert-reviewed information summary about the influence of spirituality and religion on individuals who have cancer. Various approaches for management and intervention are discussed.
More Information About Care at the End of Life
- Coping with Advanced Cancer
Information for people with cancer who have gone through treatment, and perhaps, recurrence of cancer, for whom a cure or long-term remission is no longer likely. Discusses physical and emotional issues, and living the rest of life to its fullest and with meaning. - Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Advanced Cancer
Suggested questions for cancer patients to ask their doctors about treatment choices when cancer is advanced, how to manage symptoms, and how to prepare for the end of life. - When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer: Support for Caregivers
Practical and supportive information for caregivers of loved ones with advanced cancer that is no longer responding to treatment. It explores many of the questions and crossroads caregivers may face. - End-of-Life Care for People Who Have Cancer
A fact sheet that answers some of the questions patients, their family members, and caregivers may have about the end of life. - Hospice
A fact sheet about hospice care, including insurance coverage.
