I need advice: my dad has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has a terrible itch

My dad has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, they have given him roughly 3 months.

He has an uncontrollable itch, all over his body. His consultant prescribed a strong steroid but it seems the longer he is taking it, the more ineffective it’s becoming.

He is unable to sleep and is only (if lucky) able to get an hour of sleep each night.

Has anyone experienced this and have any suggestions for a way to improve this for him.

We don’t want the time he has left to be consumed by this itch.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Fiona, although I'm very sorry to hear about your dad and the itch he is currently contending with.

    If you haven't done so already, make sure you let the consultant know that the steroid isn't working so they can change him to a different one which will hopefully be more effective at treating his itch.

    I hope these tips we have to deal with itching will prove useful as well, but if you'd like to discuss this further with one of our cancer nurses they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very knowledgeable and will do all they can to help you both at this very challenging and difficult time.

    Hopefully some of our members will be along soon to share their experiences and advice as well.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator