The Expanding Landscape of Palliative Care: Beyond Cancer
For decades, palliative care has been strongly linked to cancer treatment. However, a significant shift is underway. The increasing prevalence of chronic, life-limiting illnesses demands a broader approach to end-of-life care, one that extends far beyond oncology.
The Rising Tide of Non-Cancer Diagnoses
People are living longer, often with multiple complex health conditions. So a growing number of individuals require palliative care for diseases like dementia, organ failure, neurological disorders, and frailty. These conditions present unique challenges that require specialized understanding, and expertise.
Dementia: A Leading Driver of Need
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK, and its unpredictable nature complicates traditional palliative care models. Supporting families through prolonged and uncertain trajectories is a critical need.
Chronic Organ Failure and Complex Conditions
Chronic organ failure – affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and digestive system – often involves fluctuating patterns of decline. Rare and complex neurological conditions, such as Huntington’s disease, likewise require specialized care that many teams are currently unprepared to provide.
Multimorbidity and Frailty: A Holistic Approach
Increasingly, individuals experience multiple health issues simultaneously (multimorbidity) alongside frailty. This necessitates a holistic approach that balances symptom management, psychosocial support, anticipatory care planning, and conversations about what truly matters to the patient.
The Workforce Challenge: Bridging the Gap in Expertise
Healthcare professionals across various settings – hospices, hospitals, primary care, care homes – report feeling under-prepared to address the palliative care needs of patients with non-cancer diagnoses. Limited training and exposure to these conditions are common concerns.
Key Skills for a Changing Landscape
To ensure equitable access to high-quality palliative care, the workforce needs to develop specific skills, including:
- Recognizing early palliative care needs in non-cancer diagnoses.
- Understanding symptom profiles unique to complex and rare conditions.
- Supporting families through prolonged, uncertain illness journeys.
- Collaborating effectively across different medical specialties.
- Prioritizing personhood, dignity, and patient choice throughout the care process.
St Catherine’s Hospice Leads the Way with Pioneering Conference
Recognizing this critical need, St Catherine’s Hospice Preston is hosting a national conference dedicated entirely to non-malignant palliative care: “Expanding Horizons in Palliative Care: Non‑Malignant Conditions in Focus” on June 8th & 9th, 2026, at Barton Manor Hotel & Spa, Preston (PR3 5AA).
This event is designed for clinicians, allied health professionals, educators, researchers, and those involved in shaping future service delivery. It aims to deepen knowledge, broaden perspectives, and foster confident, compassionate practice.
Conference Highlights
Featured topics include:
- Supportive care and palliative medicine in rapidly progressive conditions
- Gastrointestinal dystonia
- Persisting disorders of consciousness: rehabilitation or palliation?
- Huntington’s disease
- Dementia and behavioural disturbance
- Challenges in palliative care for non‑malignant liver disease
- Intestinal failure
- Supporting people with ventilatory failure
- Interstitial lung disease
- Renal disease and frailty
Early Bird Rate: £220 (until March 13th, 5pm). Book online at Expanding Horizons in Palliative Care or email [email protected] for invoice requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should attend the St Catherine’s Hospice conference?
A: The conference is designed for the entire multidisciplinary workforce involved in palliative care, including clinicians, allied health professionals, educators, researchers, and those shaping future service delivery.
Q: What is the focus of the conference?
A: The conference focuses specifically on non-malignant palliative care, addressing the unique challenges and needs of patients with conditions like dementia, organ failure, and neurological disorders.
Q: What are the benefits of attending?
A: Attendees will deepen their knowledge, widen their perspectives, and gain confidence in providing compassionate, high-quality palliative care to all patients, regardless of diagnosis.
Q: Is palliative care only for those nearing the end of life?
A: No, palliative care can be beneficial at any stage of a serious illness, focusing on improving quality of life and managing symptoms.
Did you know? Palliative care isn’t just about end-of-life care; it’s about living as well as possible with a serious illness.
Let’s operate together to transform the future of palliative care, ensuring it is accessible to everyone, regardless of their diagnosis. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
