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20 NOVEMBER – To the question “how do you live with cancer?” It is never easy to answer. Not because there is no answer available, but more because it needs to be explained in a way that is recognizable to all. Now the most pertinent question you get is: “How do you live with cancer during Covid-19?”. It’s much easier for me to answer: it’s terrifying.
In 2018, Southeast and Central Asia had 8.2 million new cases of cancer and 5.2 million deaths. In 2020, this number was projected to be closer to 11 million and 7 million respectively. However, since the onset of Covid-19, cancer diagnoses have declined by up to 50% year over year in the same group of countries.
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a substantial underestimation of cancer cases. People are naturally afraid to go out and visit health workers for fear of contracting Covid-19. However, the level of diagnostic and screening services has also decreased significantly as health care resources have been shifted to combat the pandemic.
As a cancer patient, it’s easy to get lost in the hope that modern treatments and medical technology will cure you. What happens when the treatment you want is continuously delayed or withdrawn and becomes less of a priority within your NHS. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, cancer treatment and the well-being of cancer patients have had a decidedly low precedence. There is a clear cancer backlog in many countries with waiting times for cancer patients on the rise.
Beyond this “cancer crisis,” there has also been little in the way of support for existing and new cancer patients to help them navigate the changing healthcare environment. Much of this is due to the general way society groups and classifies cancer patients. Not all cancer patients or their experience are the same. What I need in terms of support is very different from another patient. Health services and government agencies must understand this distinction and attempt to raise funds and innovation, to help grow the capacity for care and, second, to provide mental health support to patients, caregivers and family members. Patients aren’t the only cancer victims!
It is increasingly important that cancer patients do not continue to be alienated during this pandemic. The fallout from Covid-19 has created huge question marks about current and future investments in cancer diagnosis and treatments. This ally of the greater psychological impact on cancer patients has left many people even more worried and anxious about their journey to cancer.
Singapore’s ICON Cancer Center has reinvented cancer care in recent years and can set a prime example for other Asian institutions. As CEO Serene Wee points out, “When a patient walks in our doors it’s not just a number … we consider every element of their cancer journey. We offer them an experienced team that puts their needs and concerns first.” This philosophy is even more important in a post-pandemic world. The nature of each cancer trip is unique. Every aspect of it must be understood, prioritized and respected.
The onus is on us socially, working with healthcare professionals, to provide additional levels of support with more palliative care during this time. The successful fight against cancer has always been guided by effective early screening and treatment. Governments must ensure policies that ensure cancer treatments and screenings return to pre-Covid standards. Cancer isn’t that quick to quit, so why were we so quick to quit the subject of cancer?
* Rish Tandapany is the founder and CEO of Trynkle.
** This is the writer’s personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
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