When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, his/her mind will be reeling. What can be done? How to decide on which cancer treatment plan to go for? Unfortunately, most cancer treatment regimens are complicated and confusing. Usually it is the doctors’ role to explain the available cancer treatment options to the cancer patient. After several discussions with the doctors, the patient will make the final decision for the treatment plan. Pharmacist will then step in to provide information about the medication, how to take the medication correctly and how to minimize the side effects. 
Pharmacists often observe several common myths about cancer treatments that cancer patients believe. Some of these myths have major negative impacts on the treatment success rate. In order to bust this misconceptions, Dr Mai Chun Wai, Head of Centre for Cancer and Stem Cells Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) of IMU, who is also a Senior Lecturer in School of Pharmacy, IMU was invited to share about the “Do and Don’t During Cancer Treatment”. The event was organised by Multicare Pharmacy, in collaboration with Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society and Pfizer Malaysia at Mid Valley Megamall from 18-20 January 2019. More than 2000 brands, 300 booths and more than 150 companies participated at this event.
| As a summary, these are a few important key points that cancer patients need to take note of: |
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| Ask about your condition |
| Discuss with your doctors if you plan to breastfeed or get pregnant |
| Discuss with your pharmacists if you experience unbearable side effects |
| Since food may interfere with the drug’s efficacy, discuss with your pharmacists if you decide to change your diet |
| Maintain good oral hygiene, and personal hygiene |
| Go to hospital immediately if you have fever, unexplained fatigue or bleeding |
| Remain active or exercise as per your exercise tolerance level |
| Consider joining a patient support group |
| Avoid sashimi, raw food or uncooked food |
| Drink water to ensure hydration and to avoid dry mouth or constipation. |
| Do not try unknown regimen or product |
| Do not smoke / quit smoking |
| Avoid excessive alcohol intake. |
