By Poovenraj Kanagaraj,
Cancer is a daunting word, a diagnosis that can turn the world upside down in an instant, not only for patients themselves, but to those around them. In Malaysia, as we observe this year’s theme, United by Unique, it reminds us that while each person’s cancer journey is different, we all share a common bond in the fight for life.
It is not just the patients who endure, but also the family, the healthcare providers, and the community around them. What truly makes this theme resonate is the emphasis on patient-centred care—a holistic approach that recognises every individual’s uniqueness, whether it’s the type of cancer they face or their personal circumstances.
I recently spoke with a colon cancer, Choo Mei Sze , whose experience with the disease and the care she received in Malaysia paints a vivid picture of the importance of patient-centred care. Mei Sze who was diagnosed with colon cancer said when the news hit, it felt like the ground had been pulled out from under her. But it was the compassion and personalised care she received from her medical team that changed the way her viewed her treatment journey.
“From the moment I walked into the hospital, I knew I had to trust my doctors and at the same time learn to work alongside them in staying motivated to move forward,” she shared. “My doctors took the time to listen to me, to understand not just my medical needs, but also the emotional and psychological toll this disease was having on me and my family.”
In Malaysia, healthcare professionals are increasingly adopting a patient-centred approach, especially in oncology. This model encourages active communication between patients and caregivers and makes sure that every patient’s values, preferences, and needs are respected. Amir’s experience highlights how Malaysia’s healthcare system is evolving to focus not only on treating the disease but also on fostering a compassionate relationship with patients.
For a patient, this could mean a treatment plan that considers their personal life and responsibilities. It is important for doctors to tailor a plan that could also allow patients to have an identity outside their disease, keep up with work and continue to build a life of independence.
But beyond just technical care, what struck Mei Sze the most was the emotional support she received from her doctor . “They weren’t just doing their jobs. They would sit with me, talk to me, give me the strength I needed during the hardest days. I wasn’t just a cancer patient. I was someone they genuinely cared about,” he said.
Collaboration between medical teams and patients underscores the importance of United by Unique, where every patient’s journey is acknowledged as one-of-a-kind. This theme resonates deeply with the realisation that no two cancer diagnoses are the same, and that each person’s fight requires an individualised care plan. It is not just about treating the cancer but caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
In Malaysia, where healthcare accessibility has been improving over the years, especially in government hospitals, there is still a need to ensure that this level of care is available to everyone.
While urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur have a higher concentration of specialists and resources, it is crucial to continue improving healthcare access in rural areas, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their background, feel supported.
The theme United by Unique also emphasises the strength of community support. Whether it’s friends, family, or cancer support groups, Malaysians are coming together in solidarity. We are reminded that, as unique as each person’s cancer journey is, we are all united in our resilience, hope, and commitment to a future where cancer does not define us.
As Malaysia continues to evolve its healthcare landscape, patient-centred care should remain at the forefront of cancer treatment. Through compassion, understanding, and individualised support, we can ensure that no one has to walk their cancer journey alone.
