Is Anointing of the Sick only for the dying?

No, and this is the most common misunderstanding about the sacrament.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says plainly that Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death." It goes on. "As soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."

For someone with cancer, that covers far more than a deathbed. The Catechism names one occasion that comes up often in cancer care. "It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation."

Many people receive it while still in active treatment. Others receive it before surgery, at a recurrence, or when moving to a harder line of therapy.

The sacrament can also be repeated. If a person gets worse during the same illness, it may be given again. If someone recovers and later becomes gravely ill, they may receive it again.

Only a priest or bishop can anoint. In a hospital, ask the spiritual care or chaplain's office. Use the words priest and anointing. That way the request reaches the right person.

Sources

• Holy See — Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1514-1516
• National Cancer Institute — Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ) Patient Version
• National Cancer Institute — Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ) Health Professional Version