Just Diagnosed With Cancer? Malaysian Oncologist Dr. Teo Yin Keong Shares What You MUST Do Next
- drteoyinkeong
- Feb 21
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 8
How to Face a Cancer Diagnosis: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Informed Decisions
A cancer diagnosis often brings fear and uncertainty to both patients and their families. However, having the right information and making timely treatment decisions are crucial for better outcomes. Guided by Dr Teo Yin Keong, a seasoned oncologist in Malaysia, TEOncology is here to provide scientific and structured guidance to help patients navigate their cancer journey with clarity and confidence.
3 Key Steps to Facing Cancer with the Right Approach
Step 1: Accepting the Diagnosis and Managing Your Mindset
Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing moment, and it is normal to experience a range of emotions. Most patients experience five emotional stages after diagnosis: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Understanding and managing these emotions can help you face treatment with a clearer mind and greater resilience.
The Five Emotional Stages After a Cancer Diagnosis
1. Denial
"This can't be happening to me. Could there be a mistake in my diagnosis?"
In the initial stage, many patients struggle to accept the diagnosis. They may question the test results, seek multiple opinions, or refuse to acknowledge the reality of their condition. Denial is a natural defense mechanism that provides temporary emotional relief.
✅ How to Cope:
Give yourself time to process the diagnosis, but don’t delay treatment decisions.
Speak with your doctor to fully understand your condition and the medical evidence behind your diagnosis.
Consider seeking professional support, such as a counsellor or psychologist, to help you manage your emotions.
2. Anger
"Why me? I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle!"
Once denial fades, feelings of frustration or resentment may arise. Patients might direct their anger toward themselves, their doctors, or even their loved ones. Some may blame past lifestyle choices or lose trust in the medical system.
✅ How to Cope:
Allow yourself to express emotions, but don’t let anger cloud your judgment in making treatment decisions.
Use healthy outlets such as journaling, exercise, or meditation to release frustration.
Communicate openly with family and friends so they can support you during this phase.
3. Bargaining
"Is there a miracle cure with no side effects?"
At this stage, patients may search for alternative treatments or make promises in hopes of changing their situation. Many seek unproven remedies or "miracle cures," making them vulnerable to misinformation and fraudulent treatments that could worsen their condition.
✅ How to Cope:
Understand that cancer is a complex disease, and there is no single “magic cure.”
Rely on evidence-based treatments recommended by your oncologist.
Always consult your oncologist before trying any new therapy to ensure it is safe and does not cause further complications to your cancer.
4. Depression
"This is too much to handle..."
Once reality sets in, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety can emerge. Some patients fear the impact on their future, family, or finances. In extreme cases, they may withdraw from social interactions or lose motivation to continue treatment.
✅ How to Cope:
Accept that it’s okay to feel sad, but seek help if these feelings become overwhelming.
Join support groups or talk to a counsellor who specializes in cancer-related emotional health.
Focus on short-term goals, such as completing a treatment cycle, instead of worrying about the entire journey.
5. Acceptance
"I have cancer, but I can still take control of my treatment and my life."
At this stage, patients start embracing their reality and actively participate in their treatment journey. Acceptance doesn’t mean being fearless—it means acknowledging the challenge and moving forward with courage. Some patients even shave their heads before chemotherapy as a symbolic act of taking control. In Dr Teo's clinic, we often observe that patients who have accepted their diagnosis with a proactive mindset tend to have a better treatment experience.
✅ How to Cope:
Work with your medical team to create a treatment plan that aligns with your health goals.
Stay informed about your condition and treatment options.
Surround yourself with a strong support system of loved ones, fellow patients, or professional counsellors.
The Importance of Mental Strength in Cancer Treatment
Everyone navigates these emotional stages at their own pace. Some may revisit certain stages multiple times. The key is to recognize your emotions, seek support, and focus on moving forward.
A positive mindset can improve quality of life and even enhance treatment outcomes. Managing your emotional well-being is just as important as the medical treatment itself. Remember, you are not alone—there are doctors, caregivers, and support groups ready to guide you through this journey
Step 2: Ask Your Doctor These 6 Key Questions to Understand Your Condition
The fear of cancer often stems from uncertainty—What will the treatment process be like? How effective will it be? How will it affect daily life? However, by having open and thorough discussions with your doctor, you can gain a better understanding of your condition, feel more in control, and reduce anxiety as you prepare for treatment.
Many patients, however, are unsure about which questions to ask. Here are 6 essential questions that will help you gain clarity about your diagnosis and make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
1. Confirm Your Cancer Type and Stage
What type of cancer do I have?
(ie. lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, etc.) A precise diagnosis is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan.
What stage is my cancer at?
The cancer stage determines your treatment strategy and prognosis.
Doctors use imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans to assess tumor size, spread, and whether it has affected nearby tissues or organs while PET-CT scans provide a more detailed view of cancer activity and spread. Each stage comes with different treatment approaches, survival rates, and expected outcomes.
2. Understand Your Treatment Goals
Your treatment goals depend on your cancer stage, age, and overall health condition.
Early-stage cancer (Stage I & II):
The goal is curative treatment, aiming to eliminate cancer cells completely through surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Advanced cancer (Stage III & IV):
The treatment goal varies as follows. Take an example of 2 patients with the cancer condition:
A 30-year-old patient with Stage III cancer may undergo an aggressive treatment approach (e.g., surgery + chemotherapy + targeted therapy) to try to achieve 30 to 50 years of long-term survival and a possible cure.
However, for an 80-year-old patient with Stage III cancer, aggressive treatment may cause significant discomfort due to the body's limited ability to tolerate intensive therapies. In such cases, a palliative care approach is often preferred, focusing on symptom relief and quality of life rather than a complete cure.
The treatment goal may be to extend life by 5 to 10 years while ensuring that this time is as comfortable and dignified as possible. After all, for an 80-year-old, aiming to extend life by 30 to 50 years is no longer realistic. Instead, the priority should be on maintaining well-being and comfort rather than pursuing extreme life extension at any cost.
Ask your doctor:
What is my treatment goal
Is it to cure the cancer or to maintain a good quality of life?
Will my treatment plan be personalized
based on my age, health condition, and financial situation?
3. Explore the Best Treatment Options
What treatment options are recommended for me?
Will I need surgery? Will chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy be required before or after surgery?
Why is this treatment plan the best choice?
What are the pros and cons of each treatment method? What are the possible side effects?
Are there clinical studies or guidelines supporting this treatment?
This helps ensure that your treatment choice is scientifically backed rather than based on the latest expensive or experimental trends.
4. Assess Treatment Costs and Insurance Coverage
Cancer treatment costs vary based on the type of treatment, medication, and additional services. Before starting treatment, it’s crucial to plan financially to avoid unexpected expenses.
Is my treatment covered by insurance?
Which treatments require out-of-pocket expenses?
What is the estimated total cost of my full treatment plan?
💡Important Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider Before Discussing Your Treatment Costs with Your Oncologist
Annual Coverage Limit:
The maximum amount your insurance will cover each year.
Policy Renewal Date:
The date your insurance resets coverage. Taking an example where you're diagnosed in January: If your annual limit is RM500,000 and your policy renews on March 15 -
From January to March 15, you can claim up to RM500,000.
On March 16, your limit resets, allowing a fresh RM500,000 for the next coverage year.
Lifetime Coverage Limit:
The total maximum amount your insurance will cover over your lifetime.
Cancer Treatment Coverage:
Check whether surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy are included in your policy.
With these information in hand, your oncologist will be able to plan your treatment better - based on your health condition and also your financial capabilities.
5. Understand Your Follow-Up Plan
How often should I have follow-up appointments?
After treatment, follow-up schedules depend on your cancer type and treatment response.
First year: Follow-ups every 3 to 6 months to monitor for recurrence.
After several years without recurrence: Follow-ups may reduce to once a year or every two years.
What is the purpose of follow-ups?
Doctors use follow-ups to check for recurrence or metastasis through imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), blood tests, and physical exams.
Will my treatment plan change after follow-ups?
If cancer recurs or spreads, treatment may need adjustments—such as adding chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy.
Should I monitor for treatment-related side effects?
Some side effects, like fatigue, immune system suppression, heart issues, or kidney function changes, may appear months or years later. Regular check-ups help manage these potential complications.
6. Focus on Quality of Life
Cancer treatment isn’t just about extending life—it’s about living well during and after treatment. It’s essential to discuss:
How can I minimize treatment side effects?
How can I maintain a good quality of life during treatment?
What options are available to relieve pain or discomfort?
The Role of Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on improving a patient's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. While not all oncologists provide palliative care due to time and resource constraints, having access to a palliative care team can significantly improve your cancer journey.
Palliative care helps:
Manage pain, nausea, and breathing difficulties caused by cancer or its treatment.
Provide emotional and psychological support to help patients cope with stress and anxiety.
Ensure dignity and comfort by focusing on holistic care rather than just disease control.
Step 3: How to Choose the Best Oncologist for Yourself?
Selecting the best oncologist—and more importantly, the right one for you—is crucial. because your doctor is not only the lead strategist of your treatment plan but also your most reliable ally in your fight against cancer.
But how do you define the best-suited oncologist for yourself? Many patients, especially in Malaysia, make their choice based on a doctor's ethnicity or language proficiency—for example, in certain regions, people may assume that a doctor who speaks their native language is the best option. However, a truly qualified oncologist should meet these key criteria:
1. Clearly Explains Your Condition
A good oncologist should be able to explain your diagnosis and treatment options in a clear and understandable manner. They should provide you with step-by-step guidance to help you make the best decision for your health.
2. Provides a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
An excellent oncologist will develop a structured and well-planned treatment strategy rather than taking a trial-and-error approach. Your treatment should be customized to your specific cancer type and stage, ensuring a well-coordinated long-term plan.
3. Recommends Treatment Based on Effectiveness & Suitability, Not Just Cost
The best oncologists recommend treatment based on medical effectiveness and the patient’s condition, rather than simply pushing the most expensive options. A good cancer specialist considers the long-term affordability of treatment, ensuring that the patient can sustain their care without financial burden.
If a patient is forced to discontinue treatment due to high costs, and the doctor pushes the blame back to the patient's inability to pay than offering alternatives, this shows a lack of genuine care for the patient’s well-being.
4. Offers a Personalized Approach
Every patient is unique, and a good oncologist will tailor the treatment plan based on your age, overall health, and financial situation—not simply follow trends in the latest or most expensive therapies.
5. Builds Strong Communication and Trust
A great oncologist fosters open communication and a trusting relationship with their patients. You should feel comfortable asking any questions and discussing concerns without feeling rushed in a short consultation. A doctor who listens patiently and addresses your doubts will help you feel more confident and at ease throughout your treatment journey.
Finding the Right Doctor = A Strong Ally in Your Cancer Fight
Choosing the right oncologist is like selecting a trusted battle partner in your fight against cancer. A doctor who is experienced, patient, and a good communicator will provide the support you need throughout your journey. With the right medical guidance, you’ll be better prepared to face treatment with confidence and hope.
Conclusion: Always Choose A Science-Based, Proactive Approach to Cancer Treatment
A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing challenge, but it is not the end. With rapid advancements in medical science, many cancers are no longer considered untreatable. By gaining the right knowledge, choosing the right doctor, and following an evidence-based treatment plan, you can improve your survival chances and even overcome cancer.
Cancer Care & Oncology Insights Brought To You By,
Dr Teo Yin Keong
Clinical Oncologist,
Johor, Malaysia
©️ TEOncology
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