When Cure Is No Longer Possible, Care Is Still Possible

August 20 2026

When we hear that an illness can no longer be cured, it is easy to think: “There is nothing more that can be done.”

But that is not true. When cure is no longer possible, care is still possible.

Pain can still be relieved…

Breathlessness can still be managed…

Fear can still be heard…

Families can still be supported…

Comfort can still be provided…

And dignity can still be protected…

This is the heart of palliative care.

What Is Palliative Care?

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes palliative care as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and families facing problems associated with life-threatening illness through the prevention and relief of suffering (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Palliative care addresses more than physical symptoms. It considers 4 total pain that is the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families (WHO, 2020). Most importantly, palliative care should not automatically be interpreted as giving up. Actually, the palliative care must provide alongside treatment for the underlying disease such life threating illness. Evidence has demonstrated that integrating palliative care earlier can improve important patient outcomes, including quality of life (Temel et al., 2010).

Behind Every Patient Is a Family. Serious illness rarely affects one person alone. Behind a patient may be:

A spouse who stays awake throughout the night…….

A daughter learning how to administer medication……….

A son trying to balance employment with caring responsibilities……...

Or a family struggling emotionally with the possibility of losing someone they love. This is why palliative care extends beyond treating symptoms.

Palliative Care in Our Community

The Palliative Care Unit at Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB), Universiti Sains Malaysia provides services including palliative clinics, home visits, inpatient and emergency care, telephone support, teleconsultation, counselling and community education. The need is growing. According to information published by the unit, the number of patients increased from 92 in 2023 to 159 in 2024, while home visits and clinic treatments increased from 343 to 485 during the same period. These numbers represent more than statistics.

Each number represents a person.

Each person represents a family.

A Vision for Better Palliative Care

In 2022, Pertubuhan Paliatif USM was established as a registered non-governmental organisation with an important mission that includes raising funds towards the development of the proposed Bangunan Paliatif Kepala Batas. The vision is to provide a more appropriate, comfortable and family-friendly environment for people requiring palliative inpatient care. Efforts to realise this project continue. Community participation is therefore important.

Awareness Can Become Action

Supporting palliative care does not begin only with money. It begins with understanding. Talk about palliative care. Share accurate information. Challenge the misconception that palliative care means giving up. Support caregivers. Volunteer where appropriate. And for those who are able, consider contributing through the official fundraising channels of Pertubuhan Paliatif USM towards the proposed palliative-care facility. Every contribution to palliative care whether through awareness, time, expertise or financial support can help strengthen the environment surrounding patients and their families.

One Community, One Responsibility, One day, the person needing palliative care could be someone we know. A parent…...A spouse……. A colleague……A friend or Ourselves….