Creating a Holistic Environment in Cancer Treatment Facilities

Receiving a cancer diagnosis marks the start of more than just a clinical journey—it begins one of the most emotionally, mentally, and physically challenging chapters in one’s life.

Some of the most common cancer types in Singapore are lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. The diagnosis processes and treatments for these and other cancers don’t just affect the physical body, but also affect emotional well-being, compromise one’s ability to work or carry out daily routines, and impact the patient’s relationships with family and friends. 

This is why cancer treatment facilities must prioritise the patient as a whole person, and not focus purely on the physical side of medical treatment.  

In this article, we’ll explore the different dimensions of a holistic, patient-centred care environment in cancer treatment centres. We’ll also share how International Cancer Specialists (ICS) in Singapore actively incorporates these principles to support our patients. 

Why Holistic Care Matters in Cancer Treatment 

Cancer is a condition that affects every aspect of a person’s well-being. While standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are vital, these procedures are often accompanied by emotional stress, fatigue, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. 

Such conditions not only cause emotional distress to the patient, but may also contribute to worsened pain and physical symptoms, higher incidences of recurring cancer, and even increased mortality rates. 

Fortunately, research shows that holistic care can have a significant impact on the experience of cancer patients. Holistic care for cancer patients focuses on improving their overall well-being and quality of life, while addressing physical, emotional, and mental needs. 

Through holistic, patient-centred approaches, cancer patients often experience improved well-being during treatment, with benefits such as reduced severity of symptoms like pain and nausea, enhanced emotional resilience, and greater overall satisfaction with their quality of care. 

How Cancer Treatment Facilities Create Holistic and Patient-Centred Environments 

Holistic cancer care starts with an environment that supports the patient as a whole person. From the facility’s design to interactions with healthcare providers, every detail plays a role in helping patients feel safe, supported, and understood.

1.  Designing Patient-Centred Physical Spaces 

The design of any medical treatment facility plays a pivotal role in how patients feel when they walk through the doors. 

Doctor’s appointments, treatment sessions, or extended stays can be stressful and unpleasant experiences for many people. These feelings can be made worse by a poorly designed treatment centre that is crowded, confusing to navigate, and offers no privacy. This is especially true for cancer treatment centres.  

In the U.K., for example, the National Health Service (NHS) has taken initiatives to design cancer treatment centres that are not only functional but also sensitive to the patients’ needs and experiences. 

Some patient-centred aspects of designing cancer treatment facilities include: 

• Incorporating relaxing natural elements such as greenery, views of nature, and warm lighting can help lower stress and anxiety.
• Providing comfortable seating and quiet rooms can ease the long hours patients may spend at the centre while receiving treatments like chemotherapy. 
• Ensuring accessibility by placing clear signage, wheelchair-accessible paths, and clutter-free pathways to help patients navigate the space with confidence and dignity. 
• Establishing private or semi-private treatment areas so that patients feel safe, respected, and comfortable during vulnerable moments.
• Creating welcoming family lounges and child-friendly spaces, allowing loved ones to stay close and comfortable as they support the patient through treatment.

A thoughtfully designed cancer facility environment will help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable, support better recovery, and establish more positive experiences during treatment. 

2. Providing Mental and Emotional Support 

Both anxiety and depression are common occurrences in adult cancer patients, regardless of the stage of cancer. These mental health issues can manifest as excessive worry, sadness, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness, affecting not only the patient’s quality of life but also their ability to cope with treatment.

To help patients navigate these emotional challenges with greater resilience, cancer treatment facilities can offer a range of supportive psychological services 

By providing on-site counselling and psychosocial support, patients can talk to psychologists or mental health counsellors who can help them process the varied and intense emotions arising from cancer diagnosis and treatment.  

Additionally, these centres can direct patients to cancer support groups where they can share experiences, receive encouragement, and connect with others who understand their struggles. 

Some patient-centred cancer treatment centres may also guide patients through mindfulness and stress-relief methods such as meditation, breathing exercises, art therapy, and journaling. These approaches can help reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and foster a sense of inner calm during what is often an overwhelming time.

At ICS, our focus on holistic treatment for cancer is evident in our counselling services for patients and their families. We offer valuable coping strategies and empower our patients and their caregivers with the necessary tools to manage their psychological well-being during and beyond treatment. 

3. Offering Integrative Therapies

Integrative, or complementary, therapies are designed to work alongside conventional medical treatments. They can help cancer patients manage side effects, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. 

While these therapies cannot replace clinical cancer care, they play a crucial role in supporting the patient as a whole person: 

Nutrition or Dietary Counselling 

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in a cancer patient’s ability to tolerate treatment and its side effects, recover well, and maintain energy levels. 

At our cancer treatment centre in Singapore, registered dietitians work closely with patients to create personalised dietary plans based on individual needs, treatment side effects, and personal preferences. 

With the right diets, cancer patients can:

• Boost their immunity levels.
• Address issues like nausea or loss of appetite.
• Make informed choices about any supplements suitable for their condition. 

Physical Therapies 

Integrative physical therapies help alleviate some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments, such as fatigue, pain, and stiffness. These therapies are gentle, non-invasive, and can be tailored to a patient’s condition and energy levels:

• Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation for patients experiencing chronic pain or fatigue.

• Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, may relieve nausea, neuropathy, and fatigue in cancer patients by stimulating specific pressure points in the body.

• Gentle exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi can improve the body’s flexibility and balance, and even promote better sleep quality in cancer patients. 

By integrating these therapies into a holistic model of cancer care, patients can experience a more balanced treatment process that enhances their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 

4. Fostering a Culture of Humane, Compassionate Caregiving 

Empathy is essential in healthcare, especially in oncology, where patients may be facing life-altering diagnoses and treatments. 

Training healthcare providers to listen actively, communicate clearly, and respond with compassion can transform the patient experience.

For instance, practising active listening techniques, such as giving the speaker your full attention and not making premature judgments, can help staff understand not only the physical needs of patients but also their emotional and psychological concerns.

Moreover, compassionate communication will foster trust and alleviate the patient’s feelings of fear or anxiety by creating a safe, welcoming space. 

At International Cancer Specialists, we believe every patient deserves to be treated with compassionate and humane care. Our team is committed to delivering the highest standard of medical care while making sure all our patients feel truly valued, understood, and respected. 

5. Arranging Other Forms of Supportive and Accessible Care 

Another aspect of holistic care for cancer patients is offering flexible and practical support options, such as telehealth consultations and financial guidance, to ensure they receive comprehensive care that fits their unique circumstances.

Teleconsultation

Telehealth services give cancer patients the flexibility to engage with their care team remotely, offering convenience without compromising the quality of care. This is especially valuable for those who may be immunocompromised, live far from the clinic, or are managing fatigue from treatment.

ICS gives our patients the option of teleconsultations, allowing patients both within and outside Singapore to receive second opinions or check-ins with doctors, nurses, counsellors, or dietitians at their convenience. 

Financial Guidance

For many cancer patients, the question of how much their cancer treatment will cost can add a heavy burden to an already challenging time. 

At International Cancer Specialists, we understand that peace of mind about treatment costs is essential to the healing process.

That’s why every patient who visits our centre in Singapore for treatment will receive free financial counselling. Our goal is to ensure that each person is empowered to make informed financial choices. We also help our patients explore the most affordable treatment options tailored to their individual needs.

Find a Holistic Partner in Your Healing Journey at ICS

At International Cancer Specialists (ICS), we believe that cancer care goes beyond just treating the disease—it’s about caring for the whole person. Our approach is rooted in compassion, accessibility, and truly patient-centred care, delivered in an environment where physical, emotional, and mental well-being are always the priority.

Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, exploring cancer screening options, or looking for a comprehensive treatment plan, our dedicated team is on hand to provide expert care and compassionate support every step of the way.

Reach out to us today and let us walk with you on your path to healing. 

---

References 

10 most common cancers in men and women in Singapore – HealthXchange. (n.d.-b). https://www.healthxchange.sg/cancer/mens-cancer-concerns/common-cancers-men-women-singapore 

Callister, R. (2025, January 30). Key principles transforming healthcare architecture and design. Urbanist Architecture. https://urbanistarchitecture.co.uk/healthcare-architecture/ 

Grassi, L., Caruso, R., Riba, M., Lloyd-Williams, M., Kissane, D., Rodin, G., McFarland, D., Campos-Ródenas, R., Zachariae, R., Santini, D., & Ripamonti, C. (2023b). Anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline. ESMO Open, 8(2), 101155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101155

Wang, Y., Li, J., Shi, J., Que, J., Liu, J., Lappin, J. M., Leung, J., Ravindran, A. V., Chen, W., Qiao, Y., Shi, J., Lu, L., & Bao, Y. (2019). Depression and anxiety in relation to cancer incidence and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Molecular Psychiatry, 25(7), 1487–1499. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-019-0595-x

World Cancer Day. (n.d.). What is people centred care? | World Cancer Day. https://www.worldcancerday.org/the-campaign/what-people-centred-care

Mann, R. (2024, September 19). A holistic approach to designing cancer care facilities | Without Limits. Without Limits. https://aecom.com/without-limits/article/a-holistic-approach-to-designing-cancer-care-facilities/

Gu, J., Liu, H., & Lu, H. (2022). Can even a small amount of greenery be helpful in reducing stress? A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 9778. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169778

Psychosocial Support Options for People with Cancer. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/understanding-psychosocial-support-services.html

Lsw, E. M. (2021, February 9). Mindfulness can help patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing News. https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/mindfulness-can-help-patients-with-cancer

Why diet is important. (n.d.). Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/diet-problems/why-diet-is-important

Shaffi, A. (2025, March 5). Massage and cancer: is it safe and what are the potential benefits? World Cancer Research Fund. https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/massage-cancer-safe-potential-benefits/

The benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients and survivors. (2021, June 15). UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/the-benefits-of-acupuncture-for-cancer-patients-and-survivors

What the evidence says about Tai chi in cancer care | Oncology Nursing Society. (2023, March 2). ONS. https://www.ons.org/publications-research/voice/news-views/03-2023/what-evidence-says-about-tai-chi-cancer-care

Tennant, K., Long, A., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023, September 13). Active listening. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442015/
How Telehealth visits can help support you during Cancer. (2025, January 31). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/how-telehealth-visits-can-help-support-you-during-cancer.html