Ratification Date: 25/07/2025

Next Review Date: 25/07/2027

What help is there if my cancer can’t be treated?

 

Sadly, not all cancers can be treated to achieve a cure. Your medical team will let you know if this is the case. While this is not news that anyone wants to hear, it is important to remember that you are not on your own. If you are in this situation, health care professionals often use the term of having a “palliative diagnosis”.

 

This means that your cancer cannot be cured, but you may still be offered treatment and supportive care to keep you comfortable and symptom free as much as possible. Sometimes this situation is also called having a life-limiting or incurable cancer diagnosis. You may feel shocked and upset at receiving a palliative diagnosis if your cancer cannot be cured. There is emotional and practical support to help you to deal with the news, talk to others, and prepare for end of life:

 

Telling loved ones

 

Palliative care

If you have a cancer that cannot be cured, you will be offered palliative care. This is used to improve quality of life when the cancer cannot be cured. Palliative care offers relief, support, and comfort to people, and it can be given at home or outside the home, such as a hospital. You can find out more about palliative care here:

 

End of life support

There is lots of information online that can help you to prepare for the end of life if your cancer cannot be cured.

 

Get help

  • Marie Curie can offer you support. You can call 0800 090 2309.
  • The Big C charity is here for you. You can visit their website or call their support team 0800 092 7640, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
  • You can call the Macmillan Cancer Support Line for free on 0808 239 1557, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
  • If you or someone close to you has been affected by cancer and you have questions, it is easy to call Cancer Research UK nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. They cannot diagnose you or give a medical opinion.