Patient Leaflets — 8/11/2026

What If My Cancer Cannot Be Cured?

Treatment may aim to:

Questions You're Afraid to Ask

The short answer

Even when cancer cannot be cured, there is still much that can be done.

Treatment may aim to:

Control the cancer

Slow its growth

Reduce symptoms

Prolong life

Improve quality of life

What about palliative care?

Palliative care is not simply "care for the dying."

It focuses on preventing and relieving suffering and supporting physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing. WHO recommends palliative care as an important component of cancer care. 

You can ask:

"What can we do to control my symptoms?"

"Can I have palliative-care support alongside cancer treatment?"

"How can we keep me comfortable and active?"

Remember

Not curable does not mean not treatable.

And needing palliative care does not mean that your doctors have "given up."

This information is intended for education and supportive care. It does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have cancer, do not stop, delay or change prescribed cancer treatment because of information found on this website. Tell your cancer-care team about all medicines, Ayurvedic preparations, herbs, vitamins and supplements you use.

Reliable sources: National Cancer Institute (NCI), World Health Organization (WHO), relevant national cancer-care guidelines, and appropriate peer-reviewed evidence.

Dr. Aakash Kembhavi

MD (Ayu-Shalya), PGDMLS, MS (Counseling & Psychotherapy) | Academician, Clinician & Researcher | Chief Editor, International Journal of Ayurveda

Founder of Cancer Support India.