What does high iron mean in cancer patient who has ceased treatment , now palliative care. can this end life before cancer itself?

Ignore it: A variety of lab changes may take place during the final stages of cancer. It's not inconceivable that the iron's been released from wasting tissues or hemorrhage into tumor. I can think of no treatble life-threatening complication of cancer that will raise the serum iron. "treat the patient, not the labs." i'm also glad your friend has you to care during her lsat illness. Thanks for asking.

Not likely: High iron in cancer patients who have received aggressive treatment in the past is usually due to red blood cell transfusions. The damage from this iron develops over time, usually measured in years. If the individual in question has stopped treatment and is receiving palliative (hospice?) care their life expectancy is likely months at best; it is unlikely that the iron will shorten it further.