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Palliative care is an approach that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, such as cancer. The primary aim of effective palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their families. This is achieved through comprehensive management of pain, nausea, fatigue, and other distressing symptoms, as well as addressing emotional and psychological needs.

By focusing on improving pain management and overall quality of life, palliative care helps patients experience a better level of functioning and comfort, which is especially important as they navigate their illness. Emphasizing quality of life means that patients are often able to engage more fully in their daily activities and maintain a sense of normalcy, even in the face of cancer treatment.

While some patients may experience symptom reduction or even prolonged survival as a side effect of attentive palliative interventions, the main goal is not to cure the disease but to alleviate suffering. Therefore, improvement in pain management and quality of life is the most accurate and relevant outcome associated with effective palliative care.