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Approximately half of adults live for five years or more after a cancer diagnosis; half do not. Our ambition is to provide support to every person living with cancer, every step of the way. Palliative and end of life care is an important part of the experience of many people diagnosed with cancer, and their friends, loved ones and relatives.
Nearly all of our nine outcomes above apply to people with palliative care needs:
The last outcome, ‘I want to die well’, is central to our end of life strategy and our vision, in support of it is:
People who are nearing the end of their life will be supported to make decisions that allow them and their family or carers to be prepared for their death. Their care will be well coordinated and planned so that they die in the place and in the way that they have chosen.
Find out more
You can read more about these key themes and the aims of the programme in the full Palliative and End of Life Care Framework|.
Our framework mirrors the key themes identified within the various national strategies for palliative and end of life care across the UK.
Being at home made the situation easier for us to cope with. It was comforting to know Emile was in the place he wanted to be and surrounded by people he knew and loved. Liz, campaign supporter.
Being at home made the situation easier for us to cope with. It was comforting to know Emile was in the place he wanted to be and surrounded by people he knew and loved.
Liz, campaign supporter.
With the right support, 73% of people with cancer would prefer to die at home, yet only 27% actually do.
More than four in 10 (44%) Primary Care Trusts don't provide round the clock care to all patients, which is why so many people don't have a choice.
Not only would 24/7 community nursing make a difference to people with cancer, the NHS would save money too. The average cost of keeping someone in hospital for the last year of their life is £222 per day, compared to £28 per day for care at home - nearly eight times less.
We want anyone living with cancer, nearing the end of their lives, to have access to 24/7 nursing in the community, so they can die at home if they wish.
Join our campaign for 24/7 community nursing| for end of life cancer patients.
We believe everyone should have the right to choose where they die. That's why we are asking government to make free social care available to everyone at the end of life.
You can help us make the case for change. If a loved one struggled to get the social care support they needed to give them choice at the end of life, then your story could help strengthen our campaign. If you’d be willing to share your experiences then contact us at campaigns@macmillan.org.uk|.
Find out more about the campaign|.
Palliative and end of life care framework| [PDF].
Rich picture on people at the end of life| [PDF].
Your Life, Your Choices: Plan Ahead| [PDF].
Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment| [PDF].
Preferred Priorities for Care| [PDF].
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Your patients or clients may find this information helpful:
Macmillan is a member of the Dying Matters Coalition led by the National Council for Palliative Care, which has the specific aim of raising the profile of death and dying. We continue to promote this work and equivalent work in the Celtic nations through our website and newsletters.
As former political strategist Philip Gould was dying of oesophageal cancer in Autumn 2011, he shared his thoughts and emotions through video in his final weeks. The result below captures how he achieved a measure of freedom and control during his end of life experience.
The International Journal of Palliative Nursing, in collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Support, is proud to host the IJPN Awards 2013. The awards will be held in London on Thurs 14th March. For information on how to enter or nominate someone for an award please visit the IJPN website
Macmillan funds a number of palliative and end of life care professional events across the UK including palliative care masterclasses. They offer the opportunity for professionals to come together to share learning.
For information on palliative care masterclasses and events, please contact your local Learning and Development manager|.