Blog Posts

Norman Ng: The Role of Community Pharmacies in Cancer Care

Norman Ng/LinkedIn

Aug 3, 2025, 11:47

Norman Ng: The Role of Community Pharmacies in Cancer Care

Norman Ng, Director of Patient Advocacy and Public Affairs at Healthcare Thinkers, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“It is hoped that in the future, community pharmacies can help cancer patients:

The role of community pharmacies in cancer care is becoming increasingly important, especially as more patients receive oral targeted therapy. The following are the main services that community pharmacies can provide to cancer patients:

Support services for cancer patients in community pharmacies:

1. Medication management and medication guidance

Provide guidance on the safe use of oral anticancer drugs
Monitor side effects and drug interactions
Assist patients in improving medication adherence

2. Health education and psychological support

Set up a cancer information corner to provide patient education resources
Organise health talks and support groups to reduce psychological stress for patients
Nutrition, skin care and oral care advice

3. Referral and interprofessional collaboration

Assist in identifying ‘red flag symptoms’ and refer them to doctors as soon as possible
Establish a cooperative network with family doctors, oncology departments and social welfare organisations
Support patients in transitioning across different stages of care

4. Oral chemotherapy drug services (in some regions)

Check prescriptions against treatment plans
Provide medication use assessment and side effect management
Some pharmacies have infusion clinics to provide near-home treatment

5. Cancer prevention and healthy living promotion

Promote smoking cessation, a balanced diet and exercise habits
Participate in community health screening and early diagnosis programmes
Provide advice on lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of cancer

These services have been successful in the UK, Australia and Canada, and Hong Kong can also follow their model to gradually develop community-level cancer care.”

Norman Ng: The Role of Community Pharmacies in Cancer Care