Frequently Asked Questions
How can we help?
About My Condition
Is There Any Hope for Me? Can My Stage 4 Cancer Be Treated?
With new treatments, more women are
surviving at least 5 years, and some women survive more than 10 years.
What Should I Do to Prevent My Metastatic Breast Cancer from Progressing Rapidly?
While metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured, there is no evidence what can be done to slow down progression. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor condition closely and make necessary adjustments to your care plan.
By taking these proactive steps and maintaining a strong relationship with your healthcare team, you can optimize your treatment outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
By taking these proactive steps and maintaining a strong relationship with your healthcare team, you can optimize your treatment outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
What Are My Chances of Survival?
Survival rates for metastatic breast cancer vary depending on factors like age, overall health, cancer subtype, and response to treatment. On average, the 5-year relative survival rate is approximately about one-third of patients live at least five years after diagnosis.
However, advancements in treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have improved outcomes for many patients. It’s important to discuss your specific prognosis and treatment options with your healthcare team to understand what this means for you.
However, advancements in treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have improved outcomes for many patients. It’s important to discuss your specific prognosis and treatment options with your healthcare team to understand what this means for you.
About Medications And Treatment
Should I Seek A Second Opinion?
Seeking a second opinion can give you some confidence in your choice of treatment options and it can also help you compare the cost of therapy in different hospitals. However, sometimes doctors may have different opinions, and seeking a second
opinion could make you more confused. Ultimately, it is your decision after considering the factors that are important to you.
What Would Happen If I Decide To Stop My Treatment?
The treatment of metastatic breast cancer, although not curable, may help to control the symptoms of your disease. You should consider discussing with your doctor before you decide to stop the treatment.
Should I Continue My Regular Medications If I Develop Complications From The Medications (e.g. severe nausea/vomiting)?
Your doctor will always assess your overall health and your treatment response during each follow-up. Do let your doctor know at any time if you develop any complication from
your treatment. If necessary, your doctor may discuss with you on suitable changes to yourtreatment.
What Should I Do if I Am In Pain?
Your doctor will try their best to relieve your pain with medications and other treatments. Your pain-free experience is their utmost
priority.
What should I do if I have swelling over one side of my arm or lumps in my armpit?
There is risk of getting swelling of your arm from cancer itself or after surgery. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Your doctor will try to manage and improve your symptoms. There are also therapists available to help you with the symptoms.
Should I Continue My Treatment If My Condition Gets Worst Despite The Treatment? The Time Used To Spent On My Treatment May Take Away My Personal And Family Time.
If your condition is worsening or not improving, it’s crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider. Treatment can be time-consuming and may limit opportunities to spend time with loved ones or engage in meaningful activities. It’s important to share these concerns with your doctor. Together, you can assess whether continuing treatment is the best option or if focusing on comfort care and quality of life might be more appropriate.
About Wound Care
What Is A Fungating Breast Cancer?
Fungating wound is a type of wound that occurs when cancer grows close to the skin’s surface and breaks through it. It often looks like an uneven surfaced growth on the skin similar to a “ cauliflower “ or multiple lesions.
The wound typically linked to advanced cancer, has specific characteristics: it can bleed, painful, leak serous fluid, or give off an unpleasant smell and can be itchy.
The wound require to me managed by healthcare professionals or wound care team who would use specialized wound dressings, topical treatments, or odor-absorbing products. In some cases, antibiotics might be necessary to control infection and reduce the unpleasant smell.
If you notice signs of a fungating wound, consult a healthcare professional promptly for diagnosis and management. Early intervention can help control symptoms effectively.
The wound typically linked to advanced cancer, has specific characteristics: it can bleed, painful, leak serous fluid, or give off an unpleasant smell and can be itchy.
The wound require to me managed by healthcare professionals or wound care team who would use specialized wound dressings, topical treatments, or odor-absorbing products. In some cases, antibiotics might be necessary to control infection and reduce the unpleasant smell.
If you notice signs of a fungating wound, consult a healthcare professional promptly for diagnosis and management. Early intervention can help control symptoms effectively.
How Can I Take Care Of My Wound To Prevent Infections?
- A pH-balanced skin cleanser or normal saline is recommended for cleaning the wound area.
- There are several types of dressing available including non-adherent dressings and dressings containing antibiotics. The key to choosing the type of dressing is to maintain a moist wound bed.
- If you are not able to visit the hospital, home services may be arranged for nurses to provide wound dressings for you at home.
About Diet And Lifestyle
Could The Usual Food I Take (eg: soy product, rice, bread, meat) Be The Cause Of My Cancer?
- There is no strong evidence from most of the scientific studies that diet is the cause of cancer.
- However, some studies have shown that alcohol, high intake of saturated fats, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of having breast cancer.
Does Regular Exercise Helps To Improve My Condition?
- Regular exerise is helpful in fighting the cancer.
- Studies have shown that a 30-minutes exercise of moderate intensity per day helps to improve quality of life and improve your mood. Regular exercise may also help to reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Some of the exercises that are recommended include brisk-walking, light jogging, yoga and aerobic exercises.
About Government Healthcare Services
How Different Is The Treatment Provided In Government Hospital Compared To A Private Setting?
- Government hospitals provide a standard course of therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients. The cost of treatment in a government hospital is lower as they are subsidized.
- However, some of the newer therapies may not be available in a government setting due to cost constraints.
If I Present At The Late Stage Of My Cancer, Will The Hospital Still Have Treatment Options For Me?
For late-stage cancer patients, the goals of care generally shift from curative treatment to focusing on quality of life, symptom management, and supportive care. These goals are tailored to the individual needs and wishes of the patient.
The goal is to ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are addressed, with a strong emphasis on comfort, support, and making sure that their remaining time is as meaningful and dignified as possible.
The goal is to ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are addressed, with a strong emphasis on comfort, support, and making sure that their remaining time is as meaningful and dignified as possible.
Can I Choose To Transfer From A Private Hospital To A Government Setting To Continue My Treatment?
- Many patients have the misconception that they are not allowed to be treated in government hospitals after seeking private consultations.
- It is okay for you to switch to a government hospital to continue your treatment at any time.
Can I Directly Consult The Doctor In A Government Hospital Regarding My Condition Without Making An Appointment?
Government hospitals often serve a large number of patients on a daily basis. Appointments help manage patient flow efficiently and reduce long waiting hours.
All patient advised to get a referral letter from either primary care clinic ( “Klinik Kesihatan/ Klinik Desa”) or General Practitioner ( GP) before they could book for an appointment with a government doctor at an Outpatient Clinic Department. The referral letter would communicate the need for further consultations or to carry test or diagnostic for certain conditions.
If a patient may need urgent medical attention, they will be instantly directed to be seen by a doctor at the Emergency Department of Government Healthcare facilities that operates 24 hours.
All patient advised to get a referral letter from either primary care clinic ( “Klinik Kesihatan/ Klinik Desa”) or General Practitioner ( GP) before they could book for an appointment with a government doctor at an Outpatient Clinic Department. The referral letter would communicate the need for further consultations or to carry test or diagnostic for certain conditions.
If a patient may need urgent medical attention, they will be instantly directed to be seen by a doctor at the Emergency Department of Government Healthcare facilities that operates 24 hours.
About Managing The Cost Of Cancer Care
Where Can I Get Financial Help?
Cancer therapy can be expensive and put many families in financial hardship. Thankfully, there is help available for some basic treatments. Your doctor can help to refer you to the medical social welfare department in the hospital.
Where Can I Get Help To Pay For Expensive Treatments?
Sometimes, there may be a patient assistance program provided by pharmaceutical companies that can provide you with the latest treatments. Whilst these are usually rare, your doctor may be assist in
referring you to the appropriate patient assistance program.
About Help And Support
How To Find Support Groups And Resources?
Although no two patients have the same cancer experience , it often helps to know you are not alone in your journey.
You can find local support group and resources by asking your treating healthcare team and hand-search online for cancer organization. It is important to have an open discussion with your healthcare team so that they can understand your need and help you connect to useful help.
You can also explore our resource section for the information on support groups.
You can find local support group and resources by asking your treating healthcare team and hand-search online for cancer organization. It is important to have an open discussion with your healthcare team so that they can understand your need and help you connect to useful help.
You can also explore our resource section for the information on support groups.
About The Possibility Of Spreading My Disease To Other People
Will My Condition Affect My Intimacy With My Partner?
The cancer cells do not transmit through sexual intercourse. Fungating wounds in advanced stages of breast cancer are not infectious. They will not spread to your
partner through physical contact at any stage of cancer.
Will My Condition Affect My Relationship With My Children? I’m Worried I Will Transmit My Disease To Them.
- Cancer cells are not contagious and do not transmit through physical contact.
- However, close family members of cancer patients are at higher risk of developing cancer because they may have inherited a gene which causes increased risk of cancer. You are advised to consult your doctor and inform your family members to go for appropriate screening.
