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3. If I want to transfer from one public hospital to another one, what can I do?
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5. I heard that spaces for hospice care are really limited and there is a long waiting list. Is it true?
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7. I am very disappointed with the attitude of my doctor, where can I lodge a complaint?
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10. Should I ask for a second opinion? What if my doctor doesn't like me to do that?
11. What kind of preparation is required before meeting the doctor?
12. I want to try Chinese medical therapy. Is this available in Hong Kong's hospitals?
   
 
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1. Get a Buddy
2. Knowledge is power
3. Working with your doctor
4. Be prepared to change
5. Healthy eating
6. Get Physical
7. Surround yourself with happiness and support
8. Find yourself
   
 
 
I have just been diagnosed with cancer by a private doctor. If I want to receive treatment from public hospitals, what can I do?
A:
You should first discuss with your private doctor and ask them for a referral letter, which should state which department in the public hospital you should be transferred to. You can then make an appointment with the out-patient division in the oncology department at the specified hospital with this letter. Remember that oncology departments at public hospitals in Hong Kong only accept referrals by registered doctors. Walk-ins are not accepted.
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How long do I have to wait for treatment appointments at the public hospital if I am referred by a private doctor?
A:
Public hospitals will arrange out-patient appointments according to the urgency of the cases, and cancer patients will enjoy higher priorities. A 2-4 weeks waiting time is common.
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If I want to transfer from one public hospital to another, what can I do?
A:
Currently, all public hospitals are arranged according to the clustering system into 5 areas. Hospitals within the same area will form an individual network to provide medical care to the public. Cancer patients will be assigned to oncology departments in the hospitals within their residential area, and it is very unlikely that patients will be transferred to another hospital for treatment. Under special circumstances, for example, when the hospital's capacity is full, or when the patient requires special treatment or care not available in his/her assigned hospital, or if the patient requires special attention from specialists in another hospital, then a transfer will be arranged. Therefore, if you wish to be transferred to another hospital, talk with your attending doctor and with valid reasons, he may consider applying the transfer for you.
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My father's situation is getting worse and my mother does not know how to take care of him properly. Can we apply for hospice care service in the public hospital?
A:
Hospice care is offered to terminal cancer patients and families to support them physically and emotionally, and it aims at providing peace and warmth during patients' last days, and to comfort families to soothe their grief and pain. Patients and families can always discuss with their medical carers on the possibility of getting hospice care, and when necessary, they can also apply for the service on behalf of the patients and their families.
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I heard that spaces for hospice care are really limited and there is a long waiting list. Is it true?
A:
There are over 200 spaces for hospice care in 10 hospitals around Hong Kong. Each hospital has their own waiting list and therefore if patients want to apply for the service, they should discuss with their doctors first and apply promptly.
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My mother is receiving treatment from the public hospital and as her family we would like to know her progress. What should I do?
A:
If you would like to know the progress of a family member, you can contact the patient supervisor in the hospital and they will arrange a meeting with the medical officers. If the patient is already staying in the hospital, you can also learn about his/her progress from the ward supervisor.
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I am very disappointed with the attitude of my doctor, where can I lodge a complaint?
A:
If you are dissatisfied with your doctor, you can inform the patient supervisor and they will follow up on your case. If you are still dissatisfied with the reply from the hospital, you can complain directly to the Complaint Hotline of the Hospital Authority at 2300-7125.
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My wife is from Mainland China and she is diagnosed with cancer. Can I bring her to Hong Kong for treatment?
A:
As with all Hong Kong residents, cancer patients from China must be referred by a registered doctor before they can receive treatment from public hospitals. However, since April 1, 2003, public hospitals in Hong Kong have revised their treatment fees. All non-qualified patients (including those from China without a valid Hong Kong ID) will not receive subsidies and have to pay full medical fees. Please refer to the Hospital Authority for details on the charges. A number of private hospitals in Hong Kong are also offering treatment to people from Mainland and you can check with these hospitals for further information.
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I have just completed my cancer treatment and I am planning to use Chinese medicine to help with my recovery. However, I do not know how to differentiate a registered traditional Chinese doctor from a non-registered one. What should I do?
A: All registered traditional Chinese doctors are governed by the "Chinese Medicine Ordinance" and all practicing Chinese doctors must be registered. You can check on the qualifications of your Chinese doctor in the website www.cmchk.org.hk. Anyone who practices without registering with the government is considered illegal, and patients should take extra caution when making the distinction.
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Should I ask for a second opinion? What if my doctor doesn't want me to do that?
A: A lot of patients would opt for a second opinion before deciding on treatment options. In fact, most doctors will not prevent their patients from seeing another doctor. However, patients should first understand whether they are trying to get a better picture of their situation, or whether they are trying to deny the diagnosis that they have cancer. Patients should be careful that this could lead to a delay in treatment. You should also discuss with your doctor in detail the reasons why you think a second opinion is necessary to avoid any misunderstandings.
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What kind of preparation is required before meeting the doctor?
A: First of all, you should bring a friend or family member on your first visit. In case you are confused and lost, your friend can help you write down recommendations from the doctor which you may forget. They can also help raise questions to the doctor. You should also make a note of your discomfort, for instance, when and where do you feel pain and the frequency. This can greatly help with the doctor's diagnosis. You can also write down your questions beforehand. Make sure that you arrive at the office on time and bring along all current medications, consultation card, test reports, etc. Remember, you should remain calm and cooperative when communicating your needs and concerns to your doctor so he/she can offer you his/her best help.
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I want to try Chinese medical therapy. Is this available in Hong Kong's hospitals?
A: Until now, Hong Kong's public hospitals do not provide mixed therapies to patients. The three universities (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University and Baptist University) which offer Chinese therapy courses do have clinics that offer Chinese medical therapies. The Hospital Authority and the universities also work together with charities to set up three Chinese medical clinics for out-patient consultations. To know more, please contact the universities or consult your doctor.
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I am unable to work because I have cancer. How can I apply for economic assistance?
A: If you are incapable of working due to cancer and are therefore under financial strain, you can consider applying for "Comprehensive Social Security Assistance". The objective of the plan is to provide a safety net to those who are not self-sufficient so they can manage their basic needs. All applicants must be Hong Kong residents for not less than 7 years, and they also have to go through an income and personal asset evaluation. The application is on a per family basis, and the amount of the grant will also depend on the size of the family. If you wish to apply you can go directly to the social security field unit in your neighbourhood, or call 2343-2255 for assistance. If you are receiving treatment from the hospital, you can enquire with the social workers of the oncology units.
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Can all cancer patients apply for subsidies? How?
A: The Social Welfare Department offers the Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme to severely disabled Hong Kong residents. The scheme includes Normal Disability Allowance and Higher Disability Allowance. Currently each qualified applicant for the Normal Disability Allowance (60 years old or under) will receive $1120 cash subsidy every month, and for the Higher Disability scheme it will be $2240 per month. Applicants do not have to go through financial evaluation, but they must fulfill the following requirements:

Applicants must be a Hong Kong resident for not less than 7 years
Applicants must have resided in HK for at least 1 year before application.
Applicants must not have applied for other public subsidy schemes
Applicants must have written confirmation from registered doctors from public hospitals or government clinics confirming his severe disability for not less than 6 months
For those applying for Higher Disability Allowance, the applicant must obtain proof from public hospital registered doctors stating they require personal care in their daily lives and they are not being attended in any in-ward care in public hospitals or government subsidized hostels or hospitals.

Not all cancer patients will have their applications approved, especially those who have finished treatment and will be able to return to work in a few months. If patients are doubtful of their eligibility for application, they can check with social workers in the hospitals or contact the social security office directly.
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My doctor recommends that I can pay for better chemotherapy medications, but I cannot afford it financially. Where can I find help?
A: With advancement in research, there are many new chemotherapy medications that have less side effects and better treatment results, but they are usually very expensive. Doctors are obligated to tell patients about the choices of treatment available. In order to make best use of public money, public hospitals will only introduce medications whose treatment results are proven. The Samaritan Fund now provides subsidies to patients who are looking for medications not being used by the Hospital Authority. You can ask the medical social workers for details. If you still cannot get any assistance, you can try contacting welfare organisations, select charity funds or newspapers. They may consider helping based on the applicant's individual situation.
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My father lives alone and his cancer is terminal. He has no one to take care of his daily living, where can I find help?
A: Some non-government organizations will provide domestic support to aged people who are living alone, which includes personal care, home cleaning, laundry and shopping. To avoid putting the aged and handicapped into hostels and hospitals inappropriately, an integrated home care service has also been recently launched. Workers will design a complete home care and community support programme for the applicant. Charges will depend on the financial status of the applicant. If financially possible, you may also consider using trained home carers to take care of the patient at home. You can contact 2311-8381 for more information.
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Are there any transfer services between home and hospital for patients?
A: Apart from a domestic support service, there are also some non-government organizations offering transfer services. The Easy-Access Transport Services offers help to those over 60 years old who have a mobility problem, but users will have to pay for the transportation costs for the accompanying volunteer. For more information, call CancerLink at 3656-0800.
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My body has become weak after chemotherapy. But I need to walk up six storeys a day because there is no lift in my building. I feel so exhausted, what can I do?
A: If patients are experiencing difficulty in their daily lives due to health problems, they can apply to the "compassionate rehousing scheme" of the Social Welfare Department for assistance. The social worker will evaluate your family background, economic situation and the urgency of your housing problem. But applicants must not own any property to be eligible for this scheme. Also, for the public housing scheme to be granted, the applicant must have at least half of the family members as Hong Kong residents for over 7 years. Please ask medical social workers at the hospitals for details.
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My mother passed away because of cancer, but we do not know how to arrange her funeral. Where can I find help?
A: If someone unfortunately passes away and the family does not have the experience of arranging a funeral, they can contact the Jessie and Thomas Tam Centre on 2725-7693 for help. You can also call the funeral hotline of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals on 2303-1234. Their funeral home in Diamond Hill will provide free funeral service to those families with financial difficulty. Families of patients in the public hospitals can also seek help from the cancer patient resource centre.
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If I have someone with cancer at home and need a wheelchair, where can I borrow one?
A: The six Cancer Patient Resource Centres at the oncology departments in Queen Mary Hospital, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital and also Tang Shiu Kin Integrated Palliative Day Care Centre all have wheelchairs for loan. The Hong Kong Cancer Fund's CancerLink Wong Tai Sin Support Centre also provides wheelchair loaning free of charge. Call 3656-0800 for details.
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My mother has terminal lung cancer and we have asked the doctor not to tell her the truth of her sickness to save her from depression, are we doing the right thing?
A: We understand why many families are reluctant to tell the truth to patients. But this is definitely not the right approach. The patients will come to realize the truth when they feel their bodies getting sicker and the fact that they are paying repeat visits to the hospitals. If the family remains silent, the patient will be more anxious about the truth and will not believe that their sickness is not serious. According to our experience, patients' perception of their sickness will be worse than reality if they are not given the true picture. If the family cannot openly discuss the situation, it will severely affect effective communication and sharing between family members, and they will have no channel to relieve their anxieties and worries. Studies abroad revealed that although patients do suffer from temporary depression when they learn of their diagnosis, it is far better in the long run to let them have a clear understanding of their situation so they can face the treatment positively. Therefore, the question is not whether the patient should be told of their problem, but rather how to tell them and how much they want to know. It is only through open discussion that their anxieties can be relieved. It also helps to foster mutual support between the family members.
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My father has just been diagnosed with cancer. How should I break the news?
A:

Patients have the right to know and therefore doctors have the obligation to explain and inform patients of their diagnosis. Families may consider arranging a special appointment where they can be present when the news is broken.

But if families want to tell the patients themselves, they should be aware of the following:

Consensus among everyone : family members should have a consensus among themselves about the situation. If someone objects to this arrangement, others should explain to him thoroughly to avoid future conflict.
Be prepared : telling someone you love that he/she has cancer is a very difficult task. Therefore it is important that you are psychologically prepared for the response.
Find a nice setting : Find a quiet, relaxed and private space to talk. Do not break the news when the patient is restless or anxious.
Know his/her wants : we need to respect the patient's right to know, as well as his right to "not to know". To begin, we can try to find out how much he knows already, for example, "What did the doctor say?", "Do you know what's happening to you?". If the patient indicates that he is unsure, you can ask him directly "Do you want to know more?". If he doesn't, it means he is still not well prepared for the reality, and you should wait for a while before telling him again.
Start from the reality : If the patient indicates that he wants to know the true picture, you can gradually tell him so he can accept and cope with the facts. You can also pace it out and try testing his response, for example, saying that "the doctor said you have a tumour", and then "the tumour is malignant". Try to avoid aggravating terms like "it's incurable".
Listen and Understand : when the news is broken, find out how the patient feels and encourage him to tell his feelings. Some patients will feel shocked when they learn of the disease and they do not know how to respond. Families do not have to worry about this as it takes time for the patient to accept their diagnosis.
Give hope and support : families can also express their feelings and determination to stay by the patient. Avoid giving false hopes, like "I heard that there is this doctor who can cure any disease, you will be fine." You should also try to avoid denying the emotions of the patients like "Don't be sad, don't worry, don't cry" etc. Remember, communication is always mutual and you should listen carefully to the patient's responses and feelings.
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My father passed away last month because of cancer, and my mother is very depressed. How can I help her?
A: It is very normal that one will feel sad and lonely when your loved one passed away, and it takes time for the wound to heal. If your mother is depressed about your father's death, you should spend more time with her and listen to her feelings and encourage her to express her suppressed emotions. This is particularly important on days that mark special occasions or anniversaries. If your mother is still depressed after some time, you can seek help from organizations like The Jessie and Thomas Tam Centre and The Comfort Care Concern Group.
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Get a Buddy
A: It is always good to have someone you can talk with about your worries and concerns. Get someone who you trust and who genuinely cares to provide you with emotional support and physical help. This person can be your family member or a close friend who can give you the time and care, give you strength when you are going through tough times of treatment and share your success when you are fully well again. Along with your buddy, you can also join a network of friends and family, or local support groups who can share with you their experience in tackling the same problems you are encountering. You can always call our CancerLink Hotline 3656-0800 for more information on support groups. There are altogether 15 support groups under The Hong Kong Cancer Fund's network.
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Knowledge is power
A: With cancer, knowledge on the disease can make the difference between a successful or problematic cancer experience. Make sure you question everything before believing. There is a lot of information out there and you should seek only hard evidence and facts. You can contact charities, hospitals and your doctor for information on your particular cancer. You can also check out many cancer websites on the internet, but make sure you discuss options with your doctor before attempting any new treatment options.
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Working with your doctor
A: Don't be afraid to ask questions when you see your doctor. He should be your strongest ally in your recovery process. Tell him frankly your concerns, your personal values and needs and make sure he gives you the true picture of your illness. Discuss with him the pros and cons of complementary therapies or diet and raise your anxieties if you are uncomfortable with his recommendations. Remember, you always have the right to seek a second opinion. You should talk to experts in your particular type of cancer and be sure to to discuss it fully and openly with your original doctor, relaying all related information to him.
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Be prepared to change
A: Cancer causes an entire upheaval in one's life. Therefore to cope with the impact of cancer you have to be prepared to introduce major lifestyle changes. For example, it is crucial that you stop smoking if you are a smoker and change to a healthier diet. You may also have to build a complete and integrated health regimen to help strengthen your body and to fight cancer or to prevent possible relapse.
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Healthy eating
A: There is no question on the importance of eating the right foods and avoiding the bad. Whether it is for recovery or for the prevention of cancer, eating healthily helps bring your body back to order. Visit our section on Healthy Eating to know more.
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Get Physical
A: Everybody knows the benefits of regular exercise. It brings oxygen back to your cells and it helps control your weight, as well as increasing your metabolism and speeding up detoxification. All these are essential for the prevention and recovery of cancer. Exercise does not have to be vigorous, but making it a regular routine will bring you benefits that you can never imagine. Learn more on Getting Physical.
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Surround yourself with happiness and support
A: Surround yourself with a good support group and friends and families who are positive. Try to relax and eliminate the stress of your life. A positive attitude will help guide you through the tough times so your energy will not be drained by emotional issues.
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Find yourself
A: Sit down and try to think what you would like to do. Make plans and goals. Giving yourself a direction will help you improve your perspective of life and you may find a new you that you may love more than before. Try planning for a happy, fulfilling future and establish a sense of purpose.
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We wish to acknowledge the generous support of the Hospital Authority's Health InfoWorld in gathering information for this section.