Prostate Cancer in Malaysia: Family Caregiving & Latest Treatments

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — For families navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis, the journey extends far beyond hospital visits and treatment plans. It’s a deeply personal experience unfolding at home, where spouses, children, and loved ones often grow unexpected caregivers, facing emotional and practical challenges alongside their family member.

As World Cancer Day reminds us, comprehensive cancer care encompasses not only medical treatment but also the well-being of the entire family unit. This is particularly true for prostate cancer, the third most common cancer affecting men in Malaysia, according to the National Cancer Registry report for 2017-2021. The disease frequently affects men over 50, with a significant rise after age 60, and a concerning three in five diagnoses occurring at a late stage.

The Impact of Late Diagnosis and the Role of Family

Dr. Ang Soo Fan, a consultant medical oncologist, emphasizes that delayed diagnosis is a key factor contributing to more complex treatment scenarios and poorer outcomes. “Oftentimes, this is due to a lack of routine screening and a tendency to dismiss early urinary difficulties as a normal part of aging,” he explains. When prostate cancer is diagnosed at a later stage, the consequences – including bone pain, reduced daily function, and decreased survival – are felt by the entire family.

Families are vital in encouraging early screening, providing emotional support throughout treatment, and helping patients maintain motivation. Dr. Ang notes that a cancer diagnosis brings unique concerns for each patient, ranging from fears of losing independence to anxieties about being a burden or facing a death sentence. “Our role is to help patients and their families understand that, with today’s treatment options, even advanced prostate cancer can respond well to therapy, allowing many to maintain a fine quality of life.” Open communication, realistic expectations, and adherence to treatment plans are essential, and caregivers are integral partners in this process.

Beyond Practical Help: The Emotional Weight of Caregiving

The transition to a caregiving role can be sudden and demanding, particularly for adult children balancing work, parenting, and their own lives. Registered nurse Quah Sui Jing, who specializes in counseling patients and caregivers, highlights the dual burden of practical and emotional support. “They help manage appointments, medications, and daily care, while also providing emotional support. It can become overwhelming,” she says. Caregivers often act as a crucial link between the patient and the healthcare team, attending consultations, interpreting medical information, and ensuring treatment plans are followed.

A Team-Based Approach to Prostate Cancer Management

Effective prostate cancer care requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, urologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and specialized nurses. Dr. Ang explains that this coordinated approach ensures personalized, well-informed treatment decisions and allows for early family involvement, particularly when shared decision-making is necessary. Encouraging family members to ask questions during consultations can facilitate better outcomes for their loved one.

Advances in Diagnosis: PSMA PET Imaging and Radioligand Therapy

Uncertainty about disease progression is a significant source of stress for both patients and caregivers. Recent advances in nuclear medicine, specifically PSMA PET imaging, are offering new clarity. Dr. Alex Khoo, a consultant nuclear medicine physician, explains that PSMA PET imaging detects prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-expressing prostate cancer cells, providing a more sensitive and accurate assessment of the cancer’s location and extent than conventional scans. Research suggests this is particularly valuable in Malaysia, where many patients present with advanced disease.

“With PSMA PET imaging, we notice what we treat, and we treat what we see,” Dr. Khoo states. “This helps guide treatment decisions and monitor how well treatment is working.” This improved visibility can be incredibly reassuring for patients and caregivers, reducing anxiety and bolstering motivation.

For advanced cases where standard treatments are ineffective, radioligand therapy (RLT) may be an option. PSMA PET imaging also plays a role here, accurately identifying cancer cells to allow RLT to target the tumor while minimizing impact on healthy tissue. This can lead to milder side effects and improved quality of life, potentially allowing patients to return to work or participate in important life events. However, Dr. Khoo emphasizes that even after successful treatment, regular imaging and monitoring are essential to detect any recurrence.

Practical Guidance for Daily Care

The multidisciplinary team – Nurse Quah, Dr. Ang, and Dr. Khoo – offer practical advice for caregivers managing daily responsibilities:

• Staying Organized: Utilize medication schedules, pill organizers, and appointment reminders. Patients undergoing RLT often require regular blood tests and treatment cycles spaced several weeks apart.
• Supporting Independence: Assist where needed, but allow patients to maintain autonomy whenever possible. Adapt the home environment for safety and convenience, considering aids like urinals or adult diapers if necessary.
• Monitoring Symptoms: Encourage open communication about pain, fatigue, or emotional distress. While minor ailments may be manageable at home, consult the treatment team for advice on more serious symptoms.
• Encouraging Healthy Habits: Promote gentle activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate hydration to help patients maintain strength throughout treatment.

Specific considerations for patients undergoing RLT include:

• Rest when tired, engaging in gentle activity only as tolerated.
• Maintain a distance of at least one meter from others for two days; pregnant women and children should maintain a distance of seven days to minimize radiation exposure.
• Ensure easy access to drinks and snacks, and consider meal delivery services.
• Drink plenty of water to manage dry mouth, prevent dehydration, and help flush out radiation.
• Remain seated while urinating and flush twice to prevent contamination.

Prioritizing Emotional Well-being

Emotional strain is common for both patients and caregivers, particularly in advanced prostate cancer. Nurse Quah stresses the importance of caregivers remaining calm and supportive, while also recognizing their own limits. Self-care is not a luxury, she emphasizes. Sharing responsibilities, seeking emotional support, and connecting with caregiver or patient support groups can help prevent burnout. “You cannot care for someone else if you are completely exhausted,” she says.

Living with prostate cancer is a family journey. With the right information, support, and medical guidance, caregivers can play a powerful role in helping their loved ones navigate treatment and daily life with dignity and confidence. “Take things one step at a time,” Dr. Ang advises. “Ask questions, stay involved, and remember that you are not alone in this journey.”

For more information on prostate cancer care and caregiving support, consult your doctor or nurse, or visit the ICanCare app for additional resources and guidance.

This press release was provided by IN.Deed Communications.