Trust Takes Time: Helping Patients Find the Courage to Open Up

Pink October | Community Navigator Series: Final Story

Not every patient is ready to share their fears, worries or personal struggles when they first meet a Community Navigator. Sometimes, it takes patience, understanding and the reassurance that someone is willing to listen without judgement.

Monnalisa visits a patient in the hospital ward after treatment, offering a reassuring presence and a reminder that patients do not have to navigate their cancer journey alone.

For Monnalisa, a Community Navigator serving the community in Beaufort, Sabah, supporting patients begins with building trust and understanding their individual circumstances.

Through her work, she has learnt that a cancer diagnosis brings challenges beyond medical treatment. Patients may struggle with transportation, financial difficulties, family responsibilities and emotional distress. Yet, these challenges are not always immediately visible. Some patients need time before they feel comfortable enough to share what they are going through.

Giving patients the space to speak

Monnalisa believes that trust cannot be rushed. When patients are hesitant to share their concerns, she gives them time, listens without judgement and creates a comfortable environment where they feel safe enough to speak.

The Community Navigator, Monnalisa, accompanies a patient with a disability (OKU) and her caregiver to the MySalam counter for the first time, providing guidance with the application for financial assistance to help support the continuation of her treatment.

Rather than pressuring them to open up, she builds relationships through consistent communication and follow-ups. Gradually, patients may begin sharing their worries, whether related to transportation, finances, family circumstances or the emotional strain of living with cancer.

“Trust takes time, and as navigators, we need to be patient, listen and consistently provide support,” she shared.

For Monnalisa, understanding a patient’s circumstances is the first step towards identifying the assistance they need.

When listening makes a difference

One experience that reinforced the importance of her role involved a patient who was hesitant to continue treatment because she was struggling emotionally.

Following a discussion involving the patient, her husband and the navigator, the patient eventually decided to continue with her treatment.

A patient visits the PRC for a follow-up check-up, accompanied by family members who offer support throughout their cancer journey. Monnalisa, on the other hand, provides support by making arrangements of daily needs and care for the patient’s family member.

The team later learnt that she was also facing financial difficulties. Monnalisa was able to suggest available assistance, including support through MAKNA and a breast prosthesis following her treatment.

The experience reminded her that patients may face several challenges simultaneously, and these can affect their ability to continue their cancer journey.

Sometimes, patients need more than medical information. They need someone who will listen, understand their circumstances and help them find a way forward.

For Monnalisa, this is an important part of being a Community Navigator, recognising the person behind the diagnosis and ensuring that patients know where to turn for support.

Small acts of support, meaningful differences

Working in her own community has given Monnalisa the opportunity to support patients who face barriers to accessing healthcare. In rural areas, distance, transportation costs and family commitments can make attending hospital appointments difficult.

Through her work, she has learnt that even a simple follow-up call can make a difference.

A patient receives guidance through the check-up process, helping make each step of their cancer care journey clearer and less overwhelming.

One patient once told her, “Thank you for reminding me.”

Although seemingly small, a reminder can help patients manage their hospital appointments while juggling treatment and daily responsibilities.

Another patient expressed gratitude after receiving financial assistance to travel to the hospital.

“Thank you. This money is enough to help me get to the hospital. It really helps me a lot.”

For Monnalisa, these moments demonstrate how practical support can ease a patient’s burden and help them continue receiving care.

She also believes that Pink Ribbon Centres (PRCs) are more than places where patients receive information. They provide guidance, support and navigation throughout the cancer journey, connecting patients with assistance when they need it.

Most importantly, patients have someone they can turn to when the journey feels overwhelming.

Monnalisa shares a moment with her patient, reflecting the trust, compassion and reassurance that help patients feel supported throughout their cancer journey.

Every patient deserves someone who listens

Monnalisa’s experience reminds us that behind every cancer diagnosis is a person with fears, responsibilities and challenges that may not always be visible.

By listening patiently, building trust and connecting patients with appropriate support, Community Navigators help make the cancer journey a little less overwhelming.

Their work demonstrates that supporting people affected by cancer goes beyond treatment alone. It also means understanding their circumstances, respecting their experiences and helping them find the support they need.

To our donors, supporters and well-wishers, thank you for standing alongside Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY). Your generosity helps sustain efforts that connect patients with guidance, resources and assistance throughout their cancer journeys.

As we conclude our Pink October Community Navigator series, we invite more individuals, organisations and communities to join us in supporting CRMY. Through donations, partnerships and raising awareness, you can help us continue our work in cancer research, innovation and patient support.

Together, we can help more patients access the support they need and remind them that they do not have to face cancer alone.

Support Cancer Research Malaysia today. Because sometimes, making a difference begins with listening.