Page 52 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

Curative care and palliative care

Curative Care Palliative Care

Focuses on treating or curing the disease Focuses on reducing suffering and improving quality of life
Disease-oriented People-oriented

Usually centred on treatment outcomes Supports patients, caregivers and families

Cure is the primary goal Comfort, dignity and holistic support are the primary goals

Personal experience of a palliative nurse Myths and Misconceptions
Working in palliative care has been both
challenging and deeply rewarding. My fellowship
as a palliative oncology nurse at the State Cancer MYTHS
Institute, Guwahati changed the way I looked at Ê Palliative care is only for people
people, illness and life. at the end of life.
I saw death from very close quarters and Ê Palliative care is only for cancer
patients.
understood the importance of a good death. I met
patients who knew they may soon leave their loved Ê Palliative care means giving up
hope.
ones behind, including young individuals whose
dreams remained unfulfilled. Ê Morphine always causes
addiction.
These experiences taught me compassion,
empathy, gratitude and the value of the present FACTS
moment. I still hope for a world free from such Ê It can begin from the time a
devastating illnesses. But I have also realised that serious illness is diagnosed.
while we cannot always change the outcome, we
can make the journey more comfortable, dignified Ê It also supports people with
life-limiting illnesses such as
and humane. HIV/AIDS, kidney disease and
neurological disorders.
Ê It improves quality of life
while supporting appropriate
treatment.
Ê When used correctly under
medical supervision, morphine is
safe and effective for pain relief
in palliative care.

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