Compassionate care, tailored support
The Department of Palliative Medicine at Christian Medical College, Vellore, was established in response
to the pressing need for comprehensive and holistic care for patients with advanced cancer. In India,
approximately seventy percent of cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced or incurable stages, where
the focus shifts from curative treatment to symptom management and quality of life. These patients often
experience challenging physical symptoms, particularly toward the end of life. Alongside the physical
toll, patients and their families grapple with financial burdens, caregiver stress, social stigma, and
spiritual distress, making the need for palliative care crucial.
