We have information about what may happen in the last few months of life. We explain the symptoms people with pancreatic cancer may get towards the end of their life and how these are managed. There is also information about how to get the care and support you might need, and information for family members.
You may find some of this information upsetting or difficult to read. Not all of it may be relevant to you at the moment – use the links below to find the information you need.
If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or nurse.
You can also speak to our specialist nurses on our confidential Support Line. This can be a very difficult time, and they can answer your questions and talk through any worries you may have. They can also support families and carers.
To read more about end of life care, download our booklet, Pancreatic cancer and end of life care: information for people in the last months, weeks and days of life.
You can also order a physical copy.
If you or someone you know has pancreatic cancer, planning for the future can feel difficult. You may have heard of the term ‘palliative care’, but feel unsure what this means. You may feel unclear on who is there to support you towards the end of life.
‘Palliative care’ means providing specialist care to manage symptoms such as pain, as well as emotional and practical support. The aim is to help you live as well as possible for as long as possible.
Our ‘Living Well to the End of Life: Palliative Care for Pancreatic Cancer’ webinar covers what palliative care is and who can deliver it, communication, making plans for your future care and the end of life.
The webinar is delivered by our specialist pancreatic cancer nurse Nicola Murphy and two consultants in palliative medicine. You can watch the recording of this webinar anytime, as many times as you need.
The information in this section was written before coronavirus. We have more information for family members caring for someone at end of life during coronavirus. This will help you get the care and support you need at this difficult time, and is based on national coronavirus guidance.
Email us at publications@pancreaticcancer.org.uk for references to the sources of information used to write this information.
We would like to thank the following people who reviewed our information about end of life care.
Published April 2021
Review date April 2024
