Supportive and Symptom Care

Management of treatment side effects, cancer-related symptoms and quality of life

Supportive care runs alongside cancer treatment rather than after it. It includes prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting, management of low blood counts and infection risk, pain control, nutritional support, management of fatigue, treatment of mouth ulcers and other common toxicities, and attention to the emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment on patients and families. Good supportive care allows treatment to be given on schedule and at full dose, which directly affects how well it works.