Unity in Care: No Woman Should Face Breast Cancer Alone
For many Malaysians, Merdeka is a time to celebrate what brings us together despite our differences, our communities, cultures, languages and the many places we call home.
For Harlianah, Community Navigator at Hospital Duchess of Kent Sandakan, that sense of togetherness is also at the heart of her work.
Every day, she supports women navigating breast cancer, helping them understand what lies ahead, find the support they need and, most importantly, reminding them that they do not have to face the journey alone.
Harlianah in front of the Specialist Clinic at Duches of Kent Hospital Sandakan.
Listening is where care begins
A breast cancer diagnosis can leave a woman with more questions than answers.
What happens next? What treatment will I need? Who can I turn to?
For Harlianah, one of the most important things a woman needs throughout her treatment journey is someone who is willing to listen.
“She needs someone who listens, provides support, and helps her understand each step along the way,” she says.
At the Pink Ribbon Centre (PRC), Harlianah believes that every woman deserves compassionate care, hope and support, regardless of her background or where she lives.
“We will always stand by them so they know they are not alone in this journey.”
It is a simple promise, but one that can make a significant difference when a woman is trying to find her footing after a diagnosis.
Harlianah together with the Head of the General Surgery Department and the PRC MO.
Making the journey easier to navigate
As a Community Navigator, Harlianah helps women understand their treatment process, connects them with the support they need and provides guidance when questions or concerns arise.
Her role is particularly important because every patient’s circumstances are different.
Some may have strong family support. Others may be uncertain about where to turn. Some may simply need someone to explain what is happening in a way they can understand.
Whatever their circumstances, Harlianah believes the principle should remain the same.
“Regardless of where they live, every woman deserves access to information, support, and compassionate care.”
For her, community navigation is about making sure a woman knows where to seek help and has someone beside her as she moves through each stage of treatment.
Harlianah with the Director and Specialist Doctors of Sandakan, HQE2 and Radiology at Duchess of Kent Hospital Sandakan during the Breast Cancer Teaching Outreach in 2025.
One purpose, shared across communities
Malaysia’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. From Sabah to the rest of the country, women come from different communities, cultures and backgrounds.
But when it comes to breast cancer, Harlianah and fellow Community Navigators share one common purpose.
“To ensure no woman faces breast cancer alone.”
Together, they provide support, clear information and guidance so patients feel heard and cared for, regardless of their background or location.
It is this shared commitment that brings them together, to bring hope and ensure no one is left behind.
There is always hope
For a woman who has just received a breast cancer diagnosis, Harlianah’s message is direct: do not be afraid to ask questions, seek help and accept support from those around you.
“You do not have to go through this journey alone,” she says.
As a Community Navigator, she wants every woman to know that she will be there to listen to her concerns, answer her questions and help her access the support she needs.
Harlianah also shares the experiences of other women who once stood where they are standing now, frightened and overwhelmed at the beginning of their journey, but who went on to complete their treatment.
For Harlianah, seeing these women return after completing their treatment, often with gratitude, is one of the most meaningful parts of her work.
Their journeys remind her that a diagnosis is not the end of the story.
There is always hope. And there will always be someone walking the journey with you.
Honouring the unsung heroes of care
This Merdeka month, we celebrate not only the freedom and unity that define Malaysia, but also the people who quietly serve their communities every day.
Among them are the nurses and Community Navigators who stand beside women at some of the most uncertain moments of their lives; listening, guiding, answering questions and giving patients the confidence to keep moving forward.
At the Pink Ribbon Centre, their commitment reflects a simple but powerful belief: every woman deserves access to compassionate breast cancer care and support, no matter where she comes from or where she lives.
Through the dedication of its nurses, Community Navigators and wider team, Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) continues to bring this commitment to communities across the country, helping women navigate breast cancer with greater understanding, support and hope.
This Merdeka, we honour these unsung heroes who may not stand on a stage or wear a medal, but whose everyday acts of care make a difference to countless lives.