When dealing with a life-limiting illness, palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients and families. However, for many people, the fear of ‘end of life’ care prevents them from exploring it. A recent study from William Osler Health System (Osler) and McMaster University examined awareness of palliative care in the South Asian community and found that culture plays a critical role in the perception of palliative care. This perception, in turn, affects whether or not patients will be open to receiving it.