A cancer diagnosis usually marks a major turning point in a person’s life, affecting not only their physical and emotional well-being but also their family members.
Cancer is often perceived as a ‘death sentence’, although advances in modern medicine have continued to improve patients’ chances of recovery and survival.
However, the road to recovery is far from easy as patients must adhere to strict treatment regimens, including taking their medications consistently and as prescribed.
Against this backdrop, having a good understanding of prescribed medications is essential for all patients, not just those diagnosed with cancer, to ensure their safe and effective use.
To help patients become familiar with the medicines they take and understand their functions, the Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced the Know Your Medicine Ambassador Programme in 2012.
The programme, implemented through the MOH Pharmacy Services Programme, involves appointing and training volunteers or ambassadors to disseminate basic information about medicines, as part of the government’s efforts to improve public understanding of medications and promote their safe and appropriate use.
CANCER MEDICINE AMBASSADOR
Among the ambassadors is Nordiana Mohd Sha’ari, 36, who has made it her mission to promote the safe use of cancer medications after undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2024.
Sharing her experience with Bernama, Nordiana, who registered herself as an ambassador for cancer medicines at the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya in February this year, said contrary to common perceptions, medicines are not merely pills taken when someone falls ill.
“To ensure treatment is effective, patients need to have a basic understanding of the medicines they take, including their functions, how they should be taken and the correct timing for taking them.
“This knowledge is important to ensure patients derive maximum benefit from their treatment while reducing the risk of medication errors that could compromise their health,” she said.
Nordiana, a lawyer, said understanding how medicines work could also help minimise the risk of interactions with other medications or health products which, for example, when taken alongside cancer drugs, could interfere with treatment.
She said the public should also understand that medicines must not be shared with others, even if they experience similar symptoms as the suitability of any medication depends on an individual’s health condition and specific needs.
She added that some people assume that all types of medicines can be stored in the same place, including in the refrigerator. In reality, different medicines have different storage requirements that must be followed to preserve their quality and effectiveness.
“Through my role as an ambassador, I help disseminate information and knowledge about medicines to cancer patients, their family members and caregivers. The information I share includes correct dosages and how they should be taken.”
Nordiana said this is especially important because cancer medications, including chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies and palliative medicines, require strict adherence to prescribed instructions to ensure effectiveness and minimise the risk of side effects and other complications that could affect patients’ health.
“Of late, I have also noticed an increasing number of social media posts about various medicines and supplements purported to treat or cure cancer. Such claims are not necessarily true, particularly when they are not supported by scientific evidence or verified by medical experts.
“I would advise cancer patients, their family members and caregivers not to readily believe or try products based on information circulating online. Instead, they should first verify the credibility of the information and seek advice and confirmation from their doctors or pharmacists before taking any such product,” she said.
As part of her ambassadorial role, Nordiana gives talks at awareness campaigns organised by the National Cancer Institute as well as engage directly with patients to help them understand their prescribed medications better.
CANCER PATIENT
Recalling how she became involved in the Know Your Medicine Ambassador Programme, Nordiana said her own experience undergoing cancer treatment made her realise how important it was for patients to understand their treatment journey, including the medications prescribed to them.
“I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in July 2024. In December that year, I underwent a mastectomy to remove my right breast, as well as a procedure to remove lymph nodes in my armpit.
“For my cancer treatment, I underwent six cycles of chemotherapy beginning on Aug 14, 2024. Throughout the treatment, I faced various physical and emotional challenges. One of the most difficult experiences was suffering a severe allergic reaction during my fourth chemotherapy session, which required hospitalisation and a blood transfusion,” she said.
She added that after completing chemotherapy, she underwent 15 sessions of radiotherapy.
“This journey taught me that cancer treatment is not just about receiving care at the hospital, but also about understanding and following the medical team’s instructions, including taking medications correctly during treatment,” said the mother of two.
Elaborating, Nordiana said although she had completed her cancer treatment, she still needed to undergo regular monitoring over five years to detect any sign of recurrence.
During this period, she will attend follow-up appointments every six months to allow the medical team to monitor her health and progress.
“Having recognised the need to educate the public about the proper use of cancer medications, I feel that the Know Your Medicine Ambassador Programme is one of the best initiatives to broaden the reach of such information.
“Medicine ambassadors do more than share information about the proper use of medication. We also want to raise awareness about the dangers of discontinuing hospital-based cancer treatment and the importance of maintaining good health to improve patients’ chances of recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence,” she said.
KNOWLEDGE AN IMPORTANT PART OF TREATMENT
Nordiana also said that a cancer diagnosis requires patients not only to adjust to their treatment and cope with its side effects but also to acquire new knowledge about managing their health.
She said this information should also be shared with family members and caregivers as they play an important role in helping patients manage their medication schedules, monitor changes in their health and ensure they obtain appropriate advice from medical specialists.
“I understand the fear that cancer patients experience, particularly when facing chemotherapy.
“If you feel afraid or anxious, speak to your doctor and ask them to explain the benefits of the treatment and the possible risks so that you are better prepared. Getting accurate information is the best way forward rather than stopping treatment (because you are afraid),” she said.
She added that support from family members and caregivers is crucial in ensuring that cancer patients’ physical and emotional needs are adequately addressed, particularly as they navigate the challenges of treatment.
According to her, consistent support from loved ones would not only ease the burden on patients but also provide them with the emotional strength to face each stage of their treatment.
“Family members and caregivers must play an active role in ensuring patients adhere to their medication schedules, attend follow-up appointments and seek advice from doctors or pharmacists whenever there are changes in their health.
“Such cooperation is important to ensure patients receive the support and care they need throughout treatment, ultimately helping them on their journey towards recovery,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
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