10/03/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | MAR 10, 2026

23 Family caregivers play key role

F OR families whose loved ones are living with prostate cancer, the experience can be long, emotionally demanding and quietly exhausting. While treatment decisions usually take place in clinics or hospitals, the everyday reality of care unfolds at home, where spouses or partners, children or other relatives often step into caregiving roles they never expect to take on. Cancer care goes beyond medical treatment and touches many parts of daily life. For families navigating prostate cancer, caregiving involves practical responsibilities, emotional support and difficult decisions that affect the entire household. The caregiving journey often reveals the unseen responsibilities families carry while supporting loved ones through illness. At the same time, advances in oncology and nuclear medicine are helping to reduce medical uncertainty and ease some of the emotional strain faced by patients and caregivers. Why family support matters In Malaysia, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer affecting men. The disease typically affects men aged 50 and above, with cases rising significantly after the age of 60. At least three in five men with prostate cancer are diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options may become more complex and outcomes less favourable. Delayed diagnosis is often linked to the lack of routine cancer screening and the tendency to dismiss early warning signs such as urinary difficulties as part of normal ageing. When the disease is detected at an advanced stage, its effects can extend beyond the patient to the entire family. Symptoms such as bone pain, reduced mobility and declining health may begin to affect daily routines at home. Family members therefore play an important role from the start of the journey. Encouraging early screening, supporting treatment decisions and helping patients stay motivated throughout therapy can contribute to better outcomes and improved quality of life. A prostate cancer diagnosis can also bring uncertainty and fear. Some patients worry about losing their independence or becoming a burden to their loved ones, while others associate the diagnosis with poor survival outcomes. However, advances in treatment mean that even patients with advanced prostate cancer may respond well to therapy and continue to maintain a meaningful quality of life. Open communication between healthcare teams, patients and families remains an essential part of care. Clear expectations and adherence to treatment plans help ensure patients remain engaged with therapy, while caregivers often become important partners who support patients throughout the journey. More than practical support For many households, caregiving responsibilities begin suddenly and gradually increase as the disease progresses. Adult children caring for ageing fathers may find themselves balancing work commitments, raising their own families and managing medical responsibilities, all while coping with the emotional and physical demands of supporting a loved one with cancer. Caregiving often involves organising medical appointments, managing medications and assisting

tests every two to four weeks, with treatment sessions typically scheduled every six to eight weeks. Supporting a patient’s independence is also important. While caregivers may assist with bathing, personal hygiene or moving safely around the home, allowing patients to maintain autonomy can help preserve dignity and emotional well-being. Monitoring symptoms and encouraging open communication are equally important. Some patients may hide pain, fatigue or emotional distress because they do not want to worry their families. While minor symptoms may be manageable at home, serious changes such as breathing difficulties or persistent vomiting require immediate medical attention. Healthy habits also support treatment. Gentle activity, balanced nutrition and proper hydration can help patients remain strong enough to continue therapy. After nuclear medicine treatments such as radioligand therapy, patients may need to make temporary adjustments to daily routines. They should rest if they feel tired and limit close physical contact with others for a short period. Maintaining distance from others for two days is generally advised, while pregnant women and children should avoid close contact for about seven days. Drinking more water can help manage dry mouth and support the body in eliminating radiation through urine. Patients are also advised to remain seated while urinating and flush the toilet twice to reduce the risk of contamination. If urinals or bedpans are used, caregivers should wear gloves when handling and disposing of them. Caring for emotional well-being The emotional impact of advanced prostate cancer can affect patients and caregivers. Mood changes, frustration and uncertainty are common, and caregivers often need to remain patient and supportive during difficult moments. At the same time, caregivers must recognise their own limits. Sharing responsibilities with other family members, seeking emotional support and connecting with caregiver groups can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Looking after personal well-being is essential because caregivers who are exhausted physically and emotionally may struggle to provide the support their loved ones need. Moving forward together Living with prostate cancer is a journey that affects the entire family. With the right information, medical guidance and emotional support, caregivers can play a powerful role in helping patients navigate treatment while maintaining dignity and quality of life. Taking things one step at a time, staying informed and remaining involved in care decisions can help families face the challenges of prostate cancer together.

o How relatives, loved ones remain essential in helping prostate cancer patients navigate emotional challenges, treatment, recovery

Caregivers play a vital role in helping prostate cancer patients manage medical appointments, treatment schedules and daily routines at home. – UNSPLASHPIC

with daily routines while providing emotional reassurance. Over time, these responsibilities can become overwhelming, especially when families are adjusting to new information about the disease and treatment schedules. Healthcare professionals such as nurses trained in patient and caregiver counselling play an important role during this period. They guide families in adapting daily routines and understanding the practical aspects of caring for someone undergoing cancer treatment. Caregivers also frequently act as the bridge between patients and the healthcare team. They attend consultations, help interpret medical information and ensure treatment plans are followed at home. Their presence can be particularly important when patients feel overwhelmed or too unwell to manage these responsibilities independently. Team-based approach Prostate cancer care can be complex and often benefits from a multidisciplinary approach that involves oncologists, urologists, nuclear medicine physicians and specialised nurses. This collaborative model allows treatment decisions to be tailored to each patient’s condition while ensuring families receive clear and accurate information to support shared decision-making. Early involvement of family members can help them better understand treatment goals, possible side effects and the expected course of care. During medical consultations, family members are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions about treatment options. Their presence can help patients process medical information more effectively and feel supported when making important decisions. Advances that ease caregiving burden For many families, uncertainty about

The caregiving journey often reveals the unseen responsibilities families carry while supporting loved ones through illness. – PEXELSPIC

radioligand be considered. This treatment delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. For some patients, this targeted approach may lead to milder side effects and a better quality of life during treatment. In certain situations, patients may be able to continue working, attend important family occasions or maintain daily routines while undergoing therapy. Even with these advances, regular monitoring remains essential. Prostate cancer can return after treatment, which makes ongoing imaging and follow-up appointments important for detecting any recurrence early. Practical guidance for daily care Caring for someone undergoing prostate cancer treatment often requires careful planning and consistent routines. Caregivers may need to organise medication schedules, keep track of appointments and coordinate treatment cycles that are spaced several weeks apart. Patients receiving radioligand therapy usually require regular blood therapy may

how the disease may progress is one of the most stressful aspects of caregiving. Advances in nuclear medicine are helping to address this challenge through more precise diagnostic tools and targeted treatments. A key step in prostate cancer care is staging, which determines where the cancer is located and how far it has spread. One advanced imaging technique used for this purpose is PSMA PET imaging, which detects prostate cancer cells that express prostate-specific membrane antigen. Research shows that PSMA PET imaging is more sensitive than conventional scans and allows doctors to detect prostate cancer more accurately, even when tumours are small or difficult to identify. More precise imaging helps doctors understand the extent of the disease and plan the most suitable treatment strategy. For patients and caregivers, this clarity can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety, as they are better able to understand how treatment is progressing. In cases where the disease has advanced and conventional treatments are no longer effective,

This article is contributed by consultant medical oncologist Dr Ang Soo Fan and consultant nuclear medicine physician Dr Alex Khoo Cheen Hoe.