Palliative Care
A cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health—it can impact your comfort, emotional well-being, daily activities, and the people who care about you. At Messino Cancer Centers, our Palliative Care program provides specialized medical care focused on relieving symptoms, managing side effects, and helping you maintain the best possible quality of life throughout treatment.
Led by Joshua Baru, MD, our palliative team works alongside your oncology team to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care can begin at any stage of cancer and is available while you continue receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, surgery, or other cancer treatments.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illnesses, including cancer. Its focus is on improving quality of life by preventing and relieving symptoms, addressing emotional and practical concerns, and ensuring care aligns with your personal goals and values.
Palliative care is not the same as hospice care.
Unlike hospice, palliative care is available at any stage of illness and can be provided alongside treatments intended to cure or control cancer.
How We Can Help
Cancer and its treatments can cause symptoms that affect your daily life. Our Palliative Care team works closely with your oncologist to help you feel as well as possible throughout your treatment.
We provide expert management for:
- Cancer-related pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and depression
- Stress related to diagnosis or treatment
- Medication management
- Treatment side effects
We also help patients and families navigate difficult decisions, clarify treatment goals, and plan for future care while respecting each person’s individual values and preferences.
A Collaborative Approach to Care
At Messino Cancer Centers, supportive care is part of comprehensive cancer care.
Dr. Joshua Baru collaborates with medical oncologists, advanced practice providers, nurse navigators, pharmacists, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, financial counselors, and other members of your care team to ensure every aspect of your health and well-being is addressed.
Together, we focus on treating the whole person—not just the disease.
Why Consider Palliative Care?
Research has shown that early palliative care can help patients:
- Better manage symptoms and side effects
- Improve quality of life
- Maintain independence and daily function
- Reduce unnecessary hospital visits
- Improve communication and care coordination
- Receive care aligned with their personal goals
- Support caregivers and family members
Our goal is simple: to help you live as fully and comfortably as possible throughout your cancer journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a palliative care specialist?
Palliative care can begin at any point after a cancer diagnosis. Many patients benefit from supportive care early in treatment—not only when symptoms become severe.
Do I have to stop cancer treatment?
No. Palliative care is provided alongside cancer treatment and works in partnership with your oncology team.
Is palliative care the same as hospice?
No. Hospice care is intended for people nearing the end of life who are no longer receiving curative treatment. Palliative care is available at any stage of cancer and focuses on symptom relief, quality of life, and supportive care while treatment continues.
Who can benefit from palliative care?
Anyone living with cancer who is experiencing symptoms, treatment side effects, emotional stress, or needs additional support can benefit from palliative care.