When parents hear the term palliative care in the context of paediatric cancer, fear often follows. Many assume it means “giving up” or stopping treatment. According to Dr. Shraddha Chandak, this is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding childhood cancer care.
Palliative care is not about surrender. It is about support.
In paediatric oncology, palliative care plays a crucial role in improving quality of life — sometimes alongside active treatment, and sometimes when treatment goals change.
What Is Palliative Care in Paediatric Cancer?
Palliative care focuses on:
- Relief from pain and discomfort
- Managing symptoms like nausea, fatigue, breathlessness
- Emotional and psychological support
- Supporting families in decision-making
- Improving overall quality of life
It can be introduced:
- At diagnosis
- During chemotherapy or radiation
- In advanced stages of illness
It is not limited to end-of-life care.
When Does Palliative Care Become Important?
Dr. Shraddha Chandak explains that palliative care becomes relevant when:
- A child experiences significant treatment-related side effects
- Symptoms impact daily comfort
- Disease is advanced or relapsed
- Treatment burden outweighs benefit
- Families need structured emotional guidance
Early integration of palliative care often improves:
- Pain control
- Treatment tolerance
- Emotional stability
- Communication between medical team and family
Palliative Care Alongside Curative Treatment
In many paediatric cancer cases, palliative care runs parallel to active treatment.
For example:
- Managing chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Reducing cancer-related pain
- Addressing sleep disturbances
- Supporting mental wellbeing
This integrated approach allows children to continue therapy with better comfort and stability.
The Emotional Dimension of Palliative Care
Cancer affects more than the body.
Children may experience:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- School disruption
Parents may face:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Guilt
- Uncertainty
Palliative care provides structured counselling, psychological support, and practical guidance to families navigating these challenges.
Addressing the Fear Around the Word “Palliative”
One of the key challenges Dr. Chandak observes is the stigma attached to the term.
Families often associate it with:
- Loss of hope
- Final stages
- No further treatment
In reality, palliative care is about:
- Preserving dignity
- Enhancing comfort
- Supporting informed decisions
- Prioritising quality of life
It does not eliminate hope — it reshapes it.
Ethical Decision-Making in Advanced Cases
In certain advanced paediatric cancer cases, when curative treatment options are exhausted, palliative care may become the primary focus.
At this stage, the medical team prioritises:
- Pain-free comfort
- Emotional presence
- Respect for the child’s experience
- Support for the family
Dr. Chandak emphasises that these decisions are always made carefully, compassionately, and collaboratively.
Why Awareness About Palliative Care Matters
Understanding palliative care helps families:
- Reduce unnecessary suffering
- Make informed choices
- Focus on meaningful time
- Avoid aggressive treatment without benefit
Clarity reduces fear.
Final Thought
According to Dr. Shraddha Chandak, palliative care in paediatric cancer is not about giving up. It is about prioritising comfort, dignity, and quality of life at every stage of the journey.
Whether alongside curative treatment or in advanced illness, palliative care ensures that no child’s suffering goes unmanaged — and no family walks the journey unsupported.