A CANCER patient needs more than surgery, drugs and radiation to get well. Empathy and sensitivity from health professionals are also important, according to breast cancer survivor Cecilia Kao.
Mrs Kao has seen a number of doctors since she was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer. While most seemed to care, some did appear indifferent, she said.
The first doctor she was referred to after a tumour was found suggested she have the breast removed.
'He said matter-of-factly that breast cancer was very common and that I was already his fourth breast cancer case that month. When I asked whether I'd live, he said curtly that no one could guarantee it. I didn't expect compassion, but I think his attitude was irresponsible,' Mrs Kao said.
Looking for a second opinion, she went to see Polly Cheung Suk-yee, the founder of the Breast Cancer Foundation, a few hours later. There she had a very different reception.
'When I saw her I was overcome by a sense of calm because the doctor in front of me was so kind. She looked at the films and diagnosed it as stage two cancer. She said she could remove the tumour without having to remove the breast and explained how she would check to see if the cancer had spread to my lymphatic system. She even took the trouble to explain this over the phone to my husband, who couldn't be at the clinic.'
