Doctors have decided that Pele will transition to end-of-life care. This approach aims to alleviate both physical and mental pain for those suffering from terminal illnesses.
On December 3, the 82-year-old football star Pele announced that he has decided to cease all painful cancer treatments and move to the “end-of-life care” stage. Shortly thereafter, the former Brazilian player reassured fans that he remains “calm and positive.” Supporting his home team during the 2022 World Cup, along with encouragement from fans, has been a source of positive energy for him, according to Deadline.
Albert Einstein Hospital, where Pele is being treated, also reported that the health condition of the “King of Football” is relatively stable. He is still undergoing treatment and responding well to therapy for respiratory infections.
Pele remains optimistic and reassures fans despite serious health issues. (Photo: Benoit Tessier/Reuters).
Why Did Pele Choose Palliative Care in Preparation for Death?
Brazilian football superstar Pele (real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento) entered palliative care on December 3. According to the Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, Pele will not undergo any further treatments for colon cancer or health assessments. He will only receive treatment for pain and shortness of breath.
Pele is being treated for colon cancer. He is also suffering from a respiratory infection. The 82-year-old football star was admitted to Albert Einstein Hospital on November 29 for what has been described as “re-evaluation of chemotherapy treatment.”
According to reports from the Sao Paulo Hospital, Pele discovered he had the disease in September 2021. Since then, his health has deteriorated rapidly. By early 2022, cancer cells had spread to his intestines, liver, and lungs. In February, the “King of Football” was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection during another routine check-up.
Pele suffers significant pain due to terminal illness in his final days. (Photo: UOL).
Before being diagnosed with cancer, Pele underwent several hip surgeries and faced other health issues that made mobility challenging. Additionally, he was diagnosed with spinal and knee problems, along with kidney failure.
Recently, he has experienced severe swelling in his body, causing considerable pain. These factors likely influenced his decision to opt for end-of-life care.
Following the hospital’s evaluation on November 29, doctors decided that Pele would transition to end-of-life care. This means that the patient will receive medical support and physical comfort for those with terminal illnesses.
This approach is typically used for patients who can no longer be cured, allowing them to prepare for death.
The “Patient-Centered” Approach
According to the WHO, end-of-life care and palliative care are essential components of integrated healthcare services that are patient-centered. Alleviating severe suffering related to health—whether physical, psychological, social, or spiritual—is a global ethical responsibility.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, an increasing number of people are choosing end-of-life care. This service focuses on providing care, comfort, and quality of life for someone with a terminal illness nearing the end of life.
At some point, patients may be unable to be cured of their terminal illness, or they may choose not to undergo certain treatments. End-of-life care is designed for these situations. Patients begin receiving end-of-life care when they no longer respond to medical efforts to treat or slow the progression of the disease.
Whether the cause of suffering for patients is cardiovascular disease, cancer, organ failure, drug-resistant tuberculosis, severe burns, chronic terminal conditions, acute injuries, premature birth, or frailty due to old age, palliative care may be necessary and should be available at all levels of care.
- 14% of patients need palliative care
- 40 million people require palliative care each year
- 78% of adults needing palliative care live in low- and middle-income countries
Palliative care is essential for many illnesses. The majority of adults requiring palliative care suffer from chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease (38.5%), cancer (34%), chronic respiratory diseases (10.3%), AIDS (5.7%), and diabetes (4.6%).
Many other conditions may also require palliative care, such as kidney failure, chronic liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, dementia, congenital disabilities, and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Pain and shortness of breath are two of the most common and severe symptoms that patients in need of palliative care experience. Specifically, the prevalence of these symptoms in patients with AIDS and cancer is 80%, while it is 67% for cardiovascular and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. They often endure moderate to severe pain at the end of life and require opioids to manage their pain.
Opioids can also alleviate other common physical discomforts, such as shortness of breath.
Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and specially trained professionals. They work with the patient’s primary physician to gather all necessary supportive information, ensuring that the patient has the most comfortable final days, alleviating symptoms and stress from the illness.
Both methods are based on the needs of the patient, not on prognosis. They are suitable at any age and at any stage of the illness.
