LAST week, May 21-28, marked National Palliative Care Week.

In 2017, the theme stood strong: you matter, your care matters: palliative care can make a difference.

Cancer Council Queensland is funded by Queensland Health to provide PalAssist - a no-cost phone and online service available to all Queenslanders 24 hours, seven days a week, on 1800 772 273 or palassist.org.au.

National Palliative Care Week is an important opportunity for us to start a community conversation about death and dying, so that those who are affected by life-limiting illness can feel comfortable and confident in seeking the support they need.

Last week, the AIHW released new data showing hospitalisations for palliative care are growing faster than all hospitalisations recorded in Australia.

Australia's ageing and increasing population, along with a rise in chronic disease, has increased the number of patients requiring palliative care - and this number will continue to grow.

According to the report, just over half of palliative care-related hospitalisations were for people aged 75 and over, and a similar proportion involved cancer as the main diagnosis.

Many of us are afraid to talk about how we want to be cared for when faced with a life-limiting illness - but our aim is to ensure all Queenslanders have the best possible quality of life at the end of life. Our 24-hour service provides emotional and practical support to palliative care patients, carers, family and friends.

We're urging any Queenslander affected by a life-limiting illness to call on professional support via the PalAssist helpline, or at palassist.org.au.

CHRIS McMILLAN

CEO Cancer Council Queensland