Janet Abrahm, MD Debunks Myths About Palliative Care
The Cancer Pod
August 7, 2024
Dr. Janet Abrahm, a distinguished professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an expert in palliative care at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, sits down with Tina and Leah to discuss palliative or supportive care. Palliative does NOT mean “end-of-life” care! This misconception is just one myth dispelled during their conversation. Dr. Abrahm clarifies other misconceptions around palliative care, emphasizing its role from cancer diagnosis through treatment. Did you know that palliative care may help you stay on track when receiving curative treatment? Dr. Abrahm also discusses integrating non-pharmacologic pain management techniques, the psychological aspects of cancer treatment, and the importance of effective communication between oncologists and patients. Join Tina and Leah for this enlightening discussion about palliative care. (Hint: supportive care may be a more accurate descriptor.)
Palliative Care Resources
A primary objective of this website is to offer the most helpful and up to date resources in palliative care for oncologists and palliative care clinicians. From her ongoing practice of palliative care and the extensive research behind the 4th edition of her book, Dr. Abrahm has created and curated content in the four following subject areas. The content will be updated regularly so please continue to check back.
About Dr. Abrahm
Janet Abrahm, MD is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is among the founders of Palliative Care in the United States and the author of four comprehensive books on supportive and palliative care for patients with cancer. Dr. Abrahm is a former practicing oncologist who created the Palliative Care Service at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute over 20 years’ ago. She is an award-winning clinician and educator and continues to practice palliative care at Dana Farber.
Dr. Abrahm's Book
Dr. Abrahm is the author of four comprehensive editions on supportive and palliative care for patients with cancer, the first published in 2000 and the latest in 2022.
Her extensive work offers oncologists and other oncology and palliative care clinicians a place to turn to find the most up-to-date evidence-based practices, resources, and practical advice on how to care for patients across the full range of issues they will experience during their illness.