Hospice can help people with advanced cancer when treatment is no longer working, or when the burden of treatment outweighs the benefit. It focuses on controlling pain and other symptoms and on supporting the patient and family at home.
When hospice may be right for cancer
Doctors often consider hospice for cancer when several of these are true:
- The cancer has spread (metastatic) or keeps growing despite treatment.
- The oncologist has no further treatment likely to help, or the patient decides to stop treatment.
- The person is spending more of the day in bed or a chair and needs help with daily activities.
- They are losing weight, eating less or have repeated hospital stays.
The decision belongs to the patient. Some people choose to continue treatment as long as possible, and others choose comfort sooner. Both choices are valid. Ask the oncologist what further treatment would realistically achieve.
How hospice helps with cancer symptoms
- Pain: regular assessment and medications, including long-acting and quick-acting opioids, adjusted quickly as needs change.
- Nausea and appetite loss: anti-nausea medicines and guidance on eating for comfort, not nutrition.
- Breathlessness: medicines, oxygen, positioning and fans.
- Fatigue, anxiety and sleep problems: medicines, emotional support and practical help.
- Wounds or tumor-related skin problems: nursing care and dressings.
Some treatments that relieve symptoms can still be used in hospice, such as radiation for painful bone metastases, when the hospice agrees they are for comfort. Ask the hospice what comfort treatments it covers.
Common questions
Can I stop chemotherapy and still see my oncologist? Yes. Many patients keep their oncologist involved, and the oncologist can serve as the attending doctor in hospice.
What if a new treatment becomes available? You can leave hospice at any time to try it, and return later if needed.
Is it too early? People with cancer often start hospice in the last days or weeks, but they and their families usually benefit more when it starts earlier. Read when is it time for hospice.
Next steps
- Learn how to choose a hospice.
- Understand common hospice medications.
- Find a hospice in California.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your oncologist and hospice team about your own situation.