This document provides an overview of palliative radiation therapy for cancer patients. It discusses the fundamentals of how radiation works and advances that have allowed it to more effectively treat cancer. It then focuses on how palliative radiation can effectively relieve symptoms from bone metastases, lung cancer, bleeding, and other cancers in 1-3 fractions rather than longer courses of treatment. Studies show short fractionation schedules provide pain relief comparable to longer schedules with fewer side effects and greater convenience. The document provides guidance on discussing palliative radiation options with radiation oncologists to help simplify the process for hospice patients.