Bringing a unique and personalized approach to cancer care
Dr Marfu’ah Nik Eezamuddeen and Ms Kuah Rui Ning of Subang Jaya Medical Centre
Resource persons: Dr Marfu’ah Nik Eezamuddeen, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Ms Kuah Rui Ning, Registered Counsellor, Subang Jaya Medical Centre
For many, a cancer diagnosis still feels like an immediate loss of control, that is, a future defined by hospital corridors, aggressive treatments and lives put on hold. But cancer care today is undergoing a profound transformation. As science deepens its understanding of the disease, treatment is no longer driven by a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it is becoming more precise, more personal and increasingly focused on helping patients live well, not just survive.
While cancer may share the same name, no two patients experience it in the same way. Each person’s biology is different, as are their lives, circumstances, and the hopes, fears and priorities that shape their journey. Combining medical innovation with emotional and psychological support is helping many patients live longer and better with cancer.
Every patient is unique
“When I sit across a patient, I am not just seeing a diagnosis. I am seeing a life, a family and a future they are afraid of losing,” says Dr Marfu’ah. Over the past decade, cancer treatment has undergone a major transformation. Previously, treatment decisions were largely based on where the cancer started, such as the breast or lung, and followed standard protocols.
Today, doctors look much deeper. Through molecular pathology testing, specialists can study the unique biology and behavior of each cancer. This allows treatment to be tailored according to the individual cancer profile rather than relying solely on conventional approaches.
“Two patients may both have breast or lung cancer, yet their cancers and their lives can be very different,” she explains. “Personalized care recognizes that difference.”
In Malaysia, increased access to molecular testing has significantly changed how cancer care is delivered. These tests help oncologists make earlier and more precise treatment decisions, often identifying therapies that are more effective and better tolerated.
For patients, this brings clarity at a time that can feel overwhelming.“Instead of uncertainty, patients are able to understand why a certain treatment is recommended for them,” Dr Marfu’ah says. “That understanding gives them confidence and a greater sense of control.”
“United by Unique” journeys
Malaysia’s SJMC observed World Cancer Day on 4 February with the theme “United by Unique,” reminding the public that while cancer may appear similar on scans or reports, no two journeys are ever the same. Being “United by Unique” means recognizing that science and compassion must go hand in hand. It means treating the disease while never losing sight of the person behind it. Today, with advances in personalized medicine and a growing focus on emotional support, cancer care is no longer solely about survival. It is about helping patients live with meaning, dignity, and hope.
Advances in cancer treatment
Many Malaysians still associate cancer treatment with harsh chemotherapy and severe side effects. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain essential tools, newer options have changedhow patients experience treatment.
Advances such as immunotherapy and oral targeted therapy allow treatment to target cancer cells more precisely. In some cases, these therapies are better tolerated and allow patients to continue with daily routines.
“Cancer treatment today is often far more manageable than people expect,” says Dr Marfu’ah.“Many patients are still able to work, care for their families and maintain their independence during treatment, “ she adds.
These developments have been particularly meaningful in cancers such as lung and breast cancer, where survival outcomes have improved significantly. “I have seen patients live years longer than what was previously expected,” she shares. “But what matters most is not just how long they live, but how they live.”
She recalls young mothers watching their children grow up and individuals continuing their careers while undergoing treatment. “This shift reminds us that cancer care is no longer only about extending life. It is also about preserving purpose, identity and meaning.”
Personalized care that honors every patient’s life
While medical tests guide clinical decisions, personalized care goes far beyond laboratory results.
“A patient’s background, lifestyle, beliefs and family responsibilities matter deeply,” Dr Marfu’ah explains. “Some prioritize longevity, while others prioritize independence or being present for their children.”
Listening to these priorities allows treatment plans to reflect what matters most to each patient.
“My role is not just to treat cancer,” she says. “It is to help patients walk through treatment with clarity, dignity and as little fear as possible.”
This approach becomes especially important when patients are coping with fear after diagnosis.
“Fear is a natural response,” she adds. “I often tell patients that it is normal to feel afraid. We will take this one step at a time, together.”
By explaining treatment plans clearly and outlining available support, many patients begin to realize that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean the end of their life or identity.
“Modern cancer care is a partnership between the medical team, the patient and their loved ones, ”she says.
An emotional journey
While medical advances play a vital role, cancer affects far more than the body alone. The emotional journey can be just as complex and challenging.
From the counselling perspective, Kuah Rui Ning sees cancer as a deeply personal experience that unfolds in stages. “At diagnosis, it often feels like a sudden storm,” she says. “There is shock, disbelief, fear and vulnerability. Many patients feel their world has paused.”
As treatment begins, the emotional landscape shifts. “I often describe it as a marathon,” she explains. “There is anxiety and determination at the start, but as side effects build, patients reach what I call the long middle.”
Fatigue, emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation are common during this phase. Yet she also witnesses moments of unexpected strength. “Many patients realize they are stronger than they believed. They discover strength they never knew they had.”
Survivorship, she adds, can be equally complex. “While there is relief and hope, there can also befear of recurrence and anxiety about trusting the body again. Learning to rebuild a sense of normal takes courage.”
Across every stage, one need remains constant. “Patients want to be heard,” she says. “They want to know their feelings are valid.”
Helping patients express feelings into words
From a counselling perspective, understanding how a patient is coping emotionally is an important part of care. Kuah explains that she often uses simple assessment tools such as a distress thermometer, which allows patients to rate their emotional or physical distress on a scale.
“For many patients, feelings like fear or anxiety can be difficult to describe,” she says. “This tool helps make those emotions more concrete and opens a conversation about what is truly weighing on them.”
Apart from verbal conversations, she also incorporates expressive arts therapy for selected patients. Through drawing, colors or creative expression, patients are able to communicate emotions that may feel overwhelming or difficult to articulate.
“The process creates a safe and supportive space for reflection,” she explains. “It allows patients to express their experiences in a gentler way and often helps them reconnect with themselves during a very uncertain time.”
Caring for the whole person
People-centered cancer care extends far beyond medical treatment. It is about supporting emotional, mental and social wellbeing alongside physical health.
“To me, it is not just treating a disease,” Kuah says, adding “It is caring for the whole person.”
Families and caregivers play an equally important role. Counselling helps strengthen these support systems by offering education, emotional support and guidance in communication.
Research indicates that emotionally supported caregivers demonstrate improved coping abilities, greater confidence in their caregiving role, reduced anxiety, and enhanced marital and family relationships. Such interventions help caregivers feel more prepared and less distressed, which in turn is likely to lead to more positive outcomes for patients.
Sustaining quality of life while living with cancer
Medical and psychological care are deeply connected. Emotional support has been shown to influence treatment tolerance, motivation and overall wellbeing.
“When patients feel supported, we often see improvements in rest, appetite and confidence, ”Kuah shares. “These factors affect how the body copes with treatment.”
In challenging cases, such as patients undergoing intensive therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, psychological care can help individuals persevere through difficult side effects. “When patients understand their emotions and learn coping strategies, they move through treatment not as passive recipients, but as resilient individuals.”
Category: Top Story
