This information is for people who have gone through the struggles of diagnosis, treatment, and, perhaps, recurrence of cancer, people for whom a cure or long-term remission is no longer likely. Terms that doctors use for this stage of illness are advanced, terminal, or end-stage disease. Although these terms can have different meanings, they are often used interchangeably.

Advanced Cancer is meant to help people who are facing death from cancer live their remaining days as well as they can. It is based on the most current information available and on interviews with patients, their families, and their caregivers.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Many of your concerns can be eased with medical skill, support from caregivers, and knowledge about your illness.
• Talking with others about your anxieties, frustrations, concerns, and problems may be one of the best things you can do for yourself.
• Loss of control over your illness does not mean loss of control over the days ahead. You can choose the way you wish to face each day.

Please keep in mind that Advanced Cancer was written primarily for adult patients and their families. If you are a parent, relative, or friend of a child or young person who has terminal cancer, see Young People With Cancer.

We hope this information will help ease your concerns. Perhaps it will show you that each day can be meaningful and offer comfort, sometimes in a new or unexpected way. Even at this difficult time, there are many things that can be done to help you lead a dignified, satisfying life.

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