Critically evaluate the potential benefits and burdens of taking a palliative care approach to symptom management 

Liu Bo  Zheng Hongfan

Shanghai Zhongqiao Vocational and Technical University, Shanghai China,201500;

Abstract：Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer, particularly those with advanced pancreatic cancer. Effective symptom management is essential in improving patients’ quality of life and reducing physical, psychological, and social suffering. A palliative care approach emphasises holistic and multidimensional care, including pain relief, psychological support, communication, and family-centred care. This paper critically evaluates the potential benefits and burdens of applying a palliative care approach to symptom management in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The discussion explores how palliative care can improve pain control, enhance emotional wellbeing, and support dignity and quality of life. At the same time, challenges and burdens associated with palliative care are also examined, including difficulties in communication, ethical concerns, opioid-related side effects, limited healthcare resources, and cultural misunderstandings regarding end-of-life care. The paper argues that although palliative care may present certain limitations and practical challenges, its holistic approach remains essential for improving symptom management and patient-centred outcomes in advanced cancer care.

Keywords: Palliative care; Symptom management; Pain management; Advanced pancreatic cancer; Quality of life

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