The Brunei Cancer Centre > Medical Oncology
Palliative Care
Overview
Compassionate Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialised medical care for people living with serious illnesses, including cancer and other life-limiting conditions. Using a holistic approach to care, we focus on improving quality of life and helping patients live as comfortably and as well as possible for as long as possible.
It is important to know that palliative care is not only for end-of-life care. It can be provided at any stage of illness and alongside treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other medical treatments. Palliative care works best when started early, when patients can benefit from both disease-modifying treatment and comprehensive symptom management.
Our Approach
The Brunei Cancer Centre Palliative Care Unit understands that living with a serious illness can be challenging for both patients and their loved ones. We provide support, comfort and guidance to help improve quality of life throughout the healthcare journey.
Holistic Care Philosophy
We address physical symptoms, emotional concerns, spiritual needs and social challenges. Our team collaborates across disciplines to ensure each patient and family receives integrated, compassionate care.
How We Can Help
Outpatient Care
Clinic consultations for patients able to attend appointments. Our team assesses symptoms, reviews care needs and addresses concerns raised by patients and families.
Inpatient Care
For hospitalised patients, our team works closely with the primary medical team to provide symptom management, supportive care and assistance with complex healthcare needs.
Home Visit Services
Our team conducts home visits to assess patient needs, manage symptoms, support caregivers and help patients remain comfortable at home.
Teleconsultation
Telephone and virtual consultations are available to ensure continuity of care and ongoing support from the comfort of home.
Family Meetings
We facilitate discussions between patients, families and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication regarding medical conditions, treatment options and care goals.
Advance Care Planning
We support patients and families in discussing and documenting future healthcare wishes, values and goals to ensure decisions reflect what matters most.
Hospice Care
Hospital-based or home-based hospice support when the focus shifts toward comfort, dignity and quality of life at the end of life.
Bereavement Support
Following the death of a patient, we provide grief support, emotional guidance and referrals to counselling and community resources for families and caregivers.
Symptom Management and Support
Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in managing the many symptoms and concerns that can arise during serious illness. We offer comprehensive assessment, evidence-based treatment and ongoing support:
Pain
We assess and manage pain to help patients feel more comfortable. We provide advice on safe and effective pain medication use and teach techniques to reduce discomfort.
Shortness of Breath
We identify causes of breathlessness and provide treatments to relieve symptoms. We teach breathing and relaxation techniques and guide patients on when to seek help.
Nausea and Vomiting
We manage nausea and vomiting through medications and supportive care. We provide advice on eating and drinking habits that may help reduce symptoms.
Loss of Appetite
We provide practical nutritional tips and help patients and families understand that appetite changes are common. We work to maintain comfort and quality of life.
Fatigue
We identify contributing factors and teach energy-conservation strategies. We support patients in maintaining independence and comfort as much as possible.
Anxiety and Depression
We provide emotional support and help patients and families develop coping strategies. We can connect patients with psychological or spiritual support when needed.
Sleep Difficulties
We assess causes of poor sleep and recommend ways to improve sleep quality. We provide guidance on healthy sleep habits and relaxation techniques.
Emotional Distress
We support patients and families in coping with the emotional impact of serious illness. We encourage open communication and provide compassionate guidance.
Multidisciplinary Team Meetings
Our team collaborates with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical social workers, therapists and other healthcare professionals to develop individualised care plans that address physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Benefits of Palliative Care
Research shows that palliative care improves patient and family outcomes, increases satisfaction with care and supports better quality of life. When patients have access to comprehensive palliative support from early in their illness, they experience better symptom control, improved emotional wellbeing and greater peace of mind.
Improved Symptom Control
Effective pain management, nausea relief and control of other symptoms allows patients to function better and enjoy daily life more fully.
Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing
Support for anxiety, depression and emotional distress improves psychological health and quality of life for patients and families.
Better Decision-Making
Advance care planning and open communication help ensure that treatment decisions align with patients’ values and preferences.
Increased Family Satisfaction
Families report greater satisfaction with care when they feel informed, supported and respected throughout the patient’s healthcare journey.
Improved Coping
Practical support, education and counselling help patients and families develop effective coping strategies and maintain hope.
Dignity and Comfort
Our holistic approach ensures patients can live with dignity, maintain independence as much as possible and experience comfort throughout their journey.
Our Commitment to You
Patient-Centred Care
We place patients and their needs at the centre of everything we do, respecting their values, preferences and individual circumstances.
Compassion and Respect
We provide care with genuine compassion, treating every patient and family with dignity, respect and empathy throughout their journey.
Symptom Relief and Comfort
We are committed to aggressive symptom management and ensuring every patient experiences comfort and the best possible quality of life.
Support for Patients and Families
We recognise that illness affects entire families. We provide comprehensive support to patients and their loved ones throughout the journey.
Holistic Care Approach
We address not just disease but physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, ensuring truly comprehensive, integrated care.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our experienced team brings diverse expertise in medicine, nursing, counselling and social work to provide optimal comprehensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is palliative care only for patients at the end of life?
No. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and can be given together with active treatment. In fact, palliative care works best when started early, when patients can benefit from both disease-modifying treatments and comprehensive symptom management. It helps improve quality of life from the moment of diagnosis onwards.
Does receiving palliative care mean stopping treatment?
No. Patients can continue receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments whilst also benefiting from palliative care support. Palliative care complements disease-directed treatment. It focuses on managing side effects, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life alongside active treatment.
Who can refer a patient to the Palliative Care Unit?
Patients may be referred by their treating doctor or healthcare team. If you feel palliative care would benefit you or your loved one, speak with your primary medical team. They can arrange a referral to our Palliative Care Unit. You can also contact us directly to discuss whether our services may be helpful.
Can family members receive support?
Yes. We provide comprehensive support to family members and caregivers, including emotional support, education, guidance on symptom management and assistance with caregiving. We understand that illness affects the whole family, and we are here to support both patients and their loved ones.
Can family members receive bereavement support after the patient's death?
Yes. Our team provides bereavement follow-up and emotional support to family members and caregivers following the death of a patient. We offer guidance on coping with grief, supportive follow-up contacts when appropriate, and can refer families to counselling services, support groups or community resources for additional support if needed.
How can I arrange a home visit or teleconsultation?
Home visits and teleconsultations are arranged based on the patient’s clinical needs and eligibility. Please speak with your treating doctor or contact the Palliative Care Unit for further information. We will assess whether home visits or telehealth would be appropriate for your situation and work to arrange them as needed.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process that helps patients discuss and document their healthcare preferences, values and goals for future medical care. It ensures that treatment decisions align with what matters most to the patient. Our team facilitates these important conversations and helps families document their wishes.
What makes palliative care different from hospice care?
Palliative care can be provided at any stage of serious illness, often alongside active treatment. Hospice care is a specific type of palliative care that is typically provided when the focus shifts primarily toward comfort and end-of-life care. Hospice usually involves a shift away from curative treatments toward comfort-focused care when prognosis is limited.
The Brunei Cancer Centre
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Address
The Brunei Cancer Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre Building, Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Jerudong Park BG 3122, Brunei Muara, Brunei Darussalam -
Phone
+673 261 3333 -
Working Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8.00am - 5.00pm
Friday: 8.00am - 5.00pm
Closed for Friday Prayer: 12.00noon - 2.00pm