Abstract
There are an almost infinite number of states of health, all with differing qualities that can be affected by many factors. Each aspect of health has many components which contribute to multidimensionality. Cancer and its' related issues surrounding the treatment plan contribute to the variety of changes of quality of life of cancer patients throughout their life. The objective of this article was to provide an overview of some of the issues that can affect their quality of life and initiatives towards successful care in Malaysia by reviewing relevant reports and articles. The current strategies can be further strengthened by prevention of cancer while improving quality of service to cancer patients.
Highlights
There is no single agreed definition of health related quality of life but it is more often than not considered as existing relative to individual or cultural expectations and goals
A quality of life (QOL) is determined by “The extent to which hopes and ambitions are matched by experience”, “Individuals’ perceptions of their position in life taken in the context of the culture and value systems where they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns”, “Appraisal of one’s current state against some ideal” and “The things people regard as important in their lives” (Carr & Higginson, 2001)
Further studies on QOL among cancer patient, lifestyles practices, diagnostic tests, interventions in cancer prevention, treatment, palliation and rehabilitation are necessary to refine the strategy against cancer in Malaysia
Summary
There is no single agreed definition of health related quality of life but it is more often than not considered as existing relative to individual or cultural expectations and goals. The reasons include delay in access to public hospitals because of waiting lists, cultural beliefs, and misconceptions that lead people to prefer treatment by traditional healers (Hisham & Yip, 2004) With this advance stage, the quality of life of cancer patients is usually affected. Ministry of health Malaysia (MOH) has taken an effort to overcome this with development of Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Cancer Pain to provide evidence-based guideline to optimise pain control with minimal side effects and adverse outcome, enhance well-being and improve QOL of patients with cancer pain (MOH 2010). Findings from studies on lifestyles, presentation of disease, diagnostic tests, and interventions in cancer prevention, treatment, palliation and rehabilitation are necessary to define and refine the strategy against cancer in Malaysia (Natilia, 2005) From this studies result, the quality of care and QOL of cancer patients can be improved. Among activities from this NGOs are cancer education, cancer counselling services, psychological support for cancer patients, welfare services, organization of national and international symposia, providing therapeutic facilities and setting up a half-way home for paediatric oncology patients undergoing treatment (Lim, 2001)
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