The Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care Program (PSMPC) at BC Cancer was created in 1998, after consultation with the community of palliative care providers in the province, and stakeholders within BC Cancer. 

Mission

The purpose of BC Cancer's PSMPC program is to improve the quality of life for individuals and their caregivers living with cancer. 

This is accomplished in collaboration with other palliative care partners through:

Vision

Within BC Cancer's vision, the PSMPC Program is a leader in promoting and providing palliative support and symptom management that meets the needs of our patients affected by cancer, wherever they are in the continuum of care and regardless of the goals of therapy.

Those we serve, and our partners in the community, will look to the PSMPC Program for:

A provincial program structure exists to coordinate and facilitate palliative care work and interests, at the same time as preserving the community-oriented flavour of each of our cancer centres.

Introduction

The balance between quality and quantity of life should be discussed fully between the patient and their health care providers. Sometimes, in spite of the best efforts of the oncologists and other health care providers, cancer advances to a point where it can’t be cured. 

Treatment options at this point can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, other medications and counselling. Other options available can include classes, respite and hospice. 

Palliative care and symptom management, which are part of every cancer patient’s treatment, can continue to benefit the patient at this stage of life. Patient and Family Counselling can offer support to patients and caregivers. 

2015_PalliativeCarePoster_forWebPage.pdf