Which statement best describes the goals of palliative care?

• A. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
• B. It replaces curative therapy entirely.
• C. It delays treatment decisions.
• D. It only applies at end-of-life.

Answer: (A)

Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with serious illness. It focuses on reducing pain and other distressing physical symptoms, while also supporting emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Importantly, it is provided alongside disease-directed or curative treatments, not in place of them, and it can be introduced at any stage of illness rather than only at the end of life. It supports patients in making informed decisions that align with their goals, rather than delaying treatment choices. This combination of symptom relief, holistic support, and compatibility with ongoing treatment is why the statement about focusing on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life best captures the goals of palliative care.