“Cancer is a gift. It is not the end. Life does not stop when you have cancer – it stops when you give up.”

These are the words of Arbiah Ahmad, a 64-year-old breast cancer survivor from Kota Bharu. For many, hearing the word “cancer” can feel like a death sentence. But not for Arbiah. For her, it was the beginning of a new chapter – one that gave her strength, perspective and purpose.

She was diagnosed while serving with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN), a job she took pride in. The diagnosis did not shake her. In fact, her first concern was not her own health, but her performance at work.

“I never used my illness as an excuse. I took my responsibilities seriously. We are the unsung heroes who do not carry weapons, but we help manage the country’s finances. I just kept doing what I had to do,” she said.

Arbiah went on medical leave for a year, then returned to her duties and continued working until she retired in 2021. Even now, retirement has not slowed her down. She stays active, not just for her health, but to uplift other women facing the same journey. She shares her story openly, offering words of strength and encouragement to fellow patients.

She pointed out that a lot of people think getting cancer means it’s the end. But the world has changed. We have doctors, hospitals, medicine. If you seek treatment, you can survive.

Recently, Arbiah witnessed the launch of the Pink Ribbon Centre (PRC) at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kelantan. A moment she described as hopeful and deeply reassuring. The presence of the Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad at the officiation was a powerful sign.

“Before this, when you had breast cancer, it felt like you were on your own. But not anymore. With the Centre in place, and with the government working together with doctors and patients, it feels like we’re not going through this alone. We are being seen, we are being supported,” said the 64-year-old cancer survivor.

She believes PRC is more than a facility. It is a safe space where women can ask questions, receive guidance, and feel empowered to take control of their health. It represents a shift towards dignity and care, especially for women in communities like hers.

Looking ahead, Arbiah hopes more women will step forward for early screening, speak openly about their health, and access proper treatment. There may not be a cure yet, but cancer is no longer the mystery it once was. With early detection and the right care, a person’s life does not have to change drastically. They can still live fully.

She also believes that support must come from all corners, including the workplace. Too often, survivors are seen as less capable or less productive.

“Cancer patients are not weak. Employers should not look at us differently. We still have the same potential, the same ability to contribute. What we need is understanding, not pity,” said Arbiah.

From one woman to another, Arbiah’s message is clear, cancer is NOT the end. It’s a turning point. Don’t let fear or old beliefs stop you from getting help. She urges women to stop fearing hospitals or turning to shamans, and to trust in science and centres like PRC.

Life doesn’t stop, unless we let it.