The treatment of early cancer can be quite satisfying. For example early breast cancer needs surgery and probably chemotherapy/radiotherapy/hormonal therapy. Many patients beat their cancer. After treatment, the patient can get back to work or normal function in the family. I think the value of having a loved one back is greater than the money to be saved.

The treatment of early cancer needs not be expensive. The greatest cost of treatment is probably in the more expensive “latest” chemotherapy drugs that will need to be used when cancer is more advanced or “first-line” chemotherapy drugs are not effective.

The treatment of cancer also does not need to be expensive because patients have the choice of seeking treatment in a public hospital where almost all the costs are absorbed by the government. Anyone who cannot afford to pay comfortably for their treatment in a private should not hesitate go to a public hospital where equally effective treatment will be provided.

Also, the patient and the doctor should be clear about the aims of the treatment. Is the treatment meant for “cure” or “palliation”? What are the aims when it comes to “palliation”? Once these are discussed honestly, the patient has the right to decide what she/he wants.

I must add that palliative care is as important as curative care. It is not just prolonging life. The dignity, comfort, and even function (sometimes possible) of a person during treatment of advanced cancer can be well preserved if treated well. The discussion should be frank and if the patient is to make a well-informed decision.

If there is a worthwhile aim to be achieved but the patient cannot afford it, it is always right to ask, “Is there a less costly alternative?”

The short answer to your question, jan, is it is not alright to give up unless the patient has had a frank discussion with the doctor and the cost of alternatives explored.

Early stages cancers usually respond pretty well to treatment

Scary to think of the 85 per cent insurance claims. This is one of my insurance claims I can do without

Cancer is not related to teaching. No stats regarding occupation.. but higher socio-economic status is a risk factor for breast cancer.

Cancer is the number 2 killer in Malaysia. So it’s not surprising that you see colleagues with cancer. Particularly breast and cervical cancer, since a fairly large proportion of the patients are still in their working years.

Do you have the stats to show women in which occupation succumb to cancer most? As a teacher, I know of a few teachers who already have cancer.

Thirdly, hubby is a heavy smoker and NOTHING seems to scare him, not even CANCER! His dad died from cancer and it only scared him off for a few months,I was told….I have not met him before his dad died.