Earlier detection and better treatments have progressively improved cancer survival, but the psychological impact of cancers remains substantial. Cancer diagnosis often leads to the experience of physical symptoms arising from the disease itself and its treatment. Unrelieved physical symptoms are distressing. Unmanaged physical symptom burden is potentially a salient issue leading to poor long-term psychological well-being. To prevent psychological morbidity, early identification of those who experienced physical symptom distress would facilitate targeted intervention. Hence, regular symptom assessment and interventions helping cancer patients to manage these symptoms are necessary in routine cancer care.

In collaboration with our clinical and community partners, JCICC provides symptom assessment and management. The symptom clinic is led by our advanced nurse practitioners or registered nurses with training in psychosocial oncology. We adopt a stepped care approach for symptom assessment and management. Cases required further intervention will be managed by our multidisciplinary team.