Symptoms towards the end of life

If you are approaching the end of life, the cancer may cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue (extreme tiredness), sickness, weight loss and bowel problems. Not everyone will get all of the symptoms we’ve included in this section.

We also have information about managing the symptoms people with pancreatic cancer may get at an earlier stage of pancreatic cancer.

Managing symptoms

Some symptoms can develop quite quickly. Speak to your doctor or nurse about any symptoms, including any new symptoms or any that get worse. Your doctor or nurse will work out the best way to manage your symptoms. This will depend on your own situation and what is best for you.

In the last few weeks of your life, your healthcare team may give you medicines to keep at home for symptoms you may get in the future. These are given by your nurse as an injection. They are sometimes called pre-emptive, anticipatory or just in case medicines. They are kept in a box or bag marked ‘just in case’, with instructions on how to give them. If you need these medicines urgently, your nurse can give them to you. This can be helpful if you need treatment at night or at the weekend.

Find out about the symptoms people with pancreatic cancer get in the last few months

Complementary therapies to help deal with symptoms

Some people find that complementary therapies can help with symptoms. These therapies can help you to relax and feel better, although they can’t treat the cancer.

Always tell your healthcare team before starting a complementary therapy, as some may affect your treatment. And tell your complementary therapist about any treatments you are having.

• Massage may help you relax, reduce pain and help you feel better generally. Check with your doctor or nurse if it is safe for you to have a massage. You shouldn’t have massage on any areas where you have any broken skin, or if the massage is making your pain any worse. If you have problems with bleeding you should avoid deep tissue massage.
• Reiki is a gentler type of massage where the therapist’s hands gently brush over the body, or a few inches above the body.
• Reflexology or relaxation therapies may help relieve symptoms such as pain.
• Other therapies that you may find helpful include art therapy, music therapy and pet therapy.

Some hospices, hospitals and charities offer complementary therapies. Your doctor or nurse can tell you what is available in your area. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council have a list of registered therapists.

Published April 2021

Review date April 2024