Palliative Care
Summary
Oncologist Dr Eileen Poon from the National Cancer Centre Singapore describes the emotional realities of caring for terminally ill patients. She highlights the case of 27-year-old brain cancer patient Afif Yusli, whose calm acceptance and concern for his family left a deep impression. She emphasises that palliative care goes beyond medical treatment to focus on what patients themselves find meaningful, whether that means delaying procedures to finish school, travelling with loved ones, planning legacy matters, or preparing messages for family after their death. Support is also extended to caregivers to help them cope and allow patients to approach the end of life with dignity. Despite a prognosis of 18 to 24 months, Afif continues to pursue his studies and hopes to produce a film about his journey. Charities like Ambulance Wish Singapore also work to fulfil the final wishes of terminally ill patients.
Application
Palliative care is a form of medical support that focuses on improving the quality of life for people with serious or terminal illnesses, rather than trying to cure the disease itself. It addresses not only physical symptoms such as pain and discomfort, but also emotional, psychological, and social needs, helping patients live as meaningfully and comfortably as possible. This includes supporting their personal choices, assisting families and caregivers, and preparing for end-of-life matters. Such a case study demonstrates that meaningful medical care does not always reside in the pursuit of cure, but in safeguarding the holistic well-being of the patient.