CYBERJAYA: More discussions are needed on how to help cancer patients have a quality of life rather than “live longer”, says a panellist at a cancer care forum.
Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Nirmala Bhoopathy said that the healthcare industry is currently delivering patient-centred care that encompasses beyond medical treatment like psychological and financial well-being.
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“A lot has been happening in cancer care; it includes discovery of new medication and access to medical treatment, which will help people live longer.
“But what is missing is, how are we helping patients live better?
“We’re not just worried about the cancer cells or the organs that are cancer-stricken, but also how the person is living as a ‘whole’.
“That means we have to take into account psychological well-being and how people feel emotionally. They are important because they relate to the patients,” she said.
Dr Nirmala said this in a forum titled “Making Cancer Everyone’s Business” in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2024 at University of Cyberjaya here yesterday.
She also highlighted the need to address financial struggles faced by cancer patients.
“We’re also talking about (patients) surviving financially ... not only for treatment, but to put food on the table,” she added.
Other panel members of the discussion were MSD managing director Dr Abdullahi Sheriff, Mega Fortris compliance director Mag Ng and Better Malaysia Foundation deputy chairman Datin Seri Sunita Mei-Lin Rajakumar.
The panel also discussed the roles of employers in supporting their workers who are diagnosed with cancer.
Another forum and other workshops discussing cancer care in Malaysia were also held.
These workshops included “Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection” as well as “Psychosocial Support and Survivorship”.
