Where do cancer patients receive and find a place that offers palliative care?

Cancer centers and hospitals often have palliative care specialists on staff. They may also have a palliative care team that monitors and attends to patient and family needs. Cancer centers may also have programs or clinics that address specific palliative care issues, such as lymphedema, pain management, sexual functioning, or psychosocial issues.
A patient may also receive palliative care at home, either under a physician’s care or through hospice, or at a facility that offers long-term care.
Patients should ask their doctor for the names of palliative care and symptom management specialists in the community. A local hospice may be able to offer referrals as well. Area hospitals or medical centers can also provide information. In addition, some national organizations have specific databases for referrals. For example, the Center to Advance Palliative Care has a list of providers by state at http://www.getpalliativecare.org/providers. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Web site also has a list of providers at http://www.nhpco.org