The World Health Organization states that more than 11 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year.  Locally the National Cancer Registry reports that in 2003, a total of 21,464 cancer cases were diagnosed in Peninsular Malaysia.  Of this figure, 9,400 were males and 12,064 were females. 

The most common method of treatment for cancer is chemotherapy.  While chemotherapy may be crucial in the management of cancer, it does affect normal cells and causes various side effects such as loss of hair, tiredness and fatigue, diarrhoea or constipation and mouth ulcers.  Although an ideal chemotherapy drug would destroy cancer cells without harming normal cells, few, if any such treatment exist

Two of the most common and debilitating side effects of chemotherapy also include nausea and vomiting.   Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can lead to a considerable amount of discomfort in a patient’s life.  These side effects can last for days after undergoing therapy.

Some patients find that having to cope with the feeling of being sick is more than they can handle – some find themselves vomiting and nauseated for days on end and thus, feel physically and emotionally drained.  If these side effects are too much to handle, it is very likely that a patient will forego chemotherapy which could affect their battle against cancer.   

Patients already undergo emotional stress in dealing with the disease and CINV can last for days after undergoing chemotherapy.  This burden is also shared by family members, care givers and close friends of the patient as it makes it more difficult to create a positive outlook towards the patient when all they see is suffering. 

For cancer patients who find it difficult to complete their course of chemotherapy, there are options available to help deal with both the acute and delayed chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. These options can make it easier for cancer patients to complete their course of chemotherapy.

08-06-GEN-05-MY-007-IM