What is a terminal illness?
A terminal illness is an illness or condition which cannot be cured and is likely to lead to someone's death. It's sometimes called a life-limiting illness. On this page, we answer questions that you might have about terminal illness.
The information on this page is written for people living with a terminal illness, but may also be useful for family, friends and people close to someone with a diagnosis.
On this page:
What does terminal illness mean?
An illness or condition is terminal when:
- it cannot be cured and
- it is likely to lead to someone's death.
Some people, including healthcare professionals, may use different definitions. If you're not sure what someone is saying or what their words mean, it's important to ask.
At Marie Curie, we usually use the words terminal illness in our information. This is because we can clearly define it (see above), and it is often the phrase most used by the people we support and their health and social care professionals. But some people prefer to use the words life-limiting illness or incurable illness. Please read this page using the language you feel most comfortable with.
What are examples of terminal illnesses?
There is no set list of illnesses which are terminal. People who are terminally ill may have a single illness or a number of different conditions.
Examples of some illnesses which can be terminal include:
- advanced cancer
- dementia (including Alzheimer's)
- motor neurone disease (MND)
- lung disease
- neurological diseases, like Parkinson's
- advanced heart disease.
Remember that these illnesses are not always terminal. If you have questions about your illness, it is best to speak with your healthcare professional.
Is advanced cancer always terminal?
Advanced cancer is not always terminal, but it can be.
Advanced cancer usually means that there is a lot of cancer or it has spread (is a later stage). Terminal cancer usually means the cancer cannot be controlled and is likely to be the cause of someone's death.
Some advanced cancers can be treated to control their growth or spread, while others are terminal. If you have terminal cancer, you can still have palliative care or treatment, which may focus on managing symptoms.
Some healthcare professionals may define or use the words 'terminal' and 'advanced' differently. If you are not sure about the words your healthcare professional is using, it is best to ask them to explain what they mean.
Read Macmillan Cancer Support's information about staging and grading cancer.
How do I know if my illness is terminal?
The healthcare professional managing the treatment for your condition, such as your doctor or consultant, should explain whether your illness is terminal or not. The diagnosis would be given after tests and, in some cases, treatment.
Sometimes healthcare professionals may use different terms or definitions. If you are unsure or worried about whether your illness is terminal, it's best to speak with your healthcare professional.
How long will someone with a terminal illness live?
Someone with a terminal illness may live for days, weeks, months or years. It often depends on their diagnosis and any treatment they are having. It can be difficult for healthcare professionals to predict exactly how long someone with a terminal illness will live (their prognosis).
It can be shocking or upsetting to get a terminal diagnosis, as people sometimes think the word 'terminal' means they will die soon. This might be a worry for you too. It may help to remember that no two experiences of a terminal illness are the same. Sometimes, a person's condition will gradually get worse as the illness progresses. Other people may find that they feel better or worse at different points during their illness – it is not always a straight path.
Find a hobby – I love gardening. People might like drawing, walking, trying to keep fit... You've got to do something to occupy your brain. It doesn't matter what it is.
What care will someone with a terminal illness need?
If you are living with a terminal illness, you will usually have treatment and care which focuses on:
- managing any symptoms
- offering emotional, spiritual and practical support
- giving you a good quality of life.
This type of holistic care, which looks after every part of you, is called palliative care. Palliative care aims to make sure you feel supported and comfortable, rather than cure the illness.
You can have other treatments at the same time as palliative care. But sometimes you may stop having other treatments. It can be difficult to cope with stopping treatment, especially if it's because the treatment is not working. If this happens, it's important to let your healthcare team know how you're feeling. They can explain what palliative care you can have and how that may be able to help.
Palliative care may be given at home or in another healthcare setting, such as a hospital or hospice.
Can a terminal illness get better?
By its definition, a terminal illness will not get better – in other words, it cannot be cured. But some terminal illnesses can be treated to help ease symptoms or give a better quality of life.
We know that it can be difficult to cope with a terminal diagnosis, which is why it's important to ask for the support you need. Your healthcare team, and Marie Curie, are here to offer emotional, physical and practical support.
Read about coping with a terminal diagnosis.
More information and support about terminal illness
It may take some time to process getting a terminal diagnosis, and we are here to help you make sense of it. You may find our information on living with a terminal illness helpful, which includes guidance on managing symptoms and tips for planning ahead.
Read about living with a terminal illness.
You may want to tell other people about your terminal diagnosis, especially those close to you. We have some tips on how to have those conversations that may be useful.
Read about telling others about your terminal diagnosis.
If you need more support about terminal illness or a terminal diagnosis, you can call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Did you find this page useful?
Help us be there for anyone with an illness they're likely to die from by telling us what you think.
If you are completing this survey using a desktop computer, hold down the Ctrl button to select multiple options.
About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
Published date: 4 April 2022 Review date: 1 April 2028
