Patient navigators at Hospital Umum Sarawak. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
While the Covid-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard, breast cancer patients – particularly those from lower income groups – were especially vulnerable during the movement control order (MCO) period.
A survey of over 200 breast cancer patients from three hospitals was conducted under the Patient Navigation Programme (PNP), a collaboration between Cancer Research Malaysia and the Ministry of Health and their community partners.
Cancer Research Malaysia's Patient Navigation Programme
Collaborations with community partners are important in making sure patients make it to treatments, says Maheswari. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
Patient navigators also help patients in crisis get access to basic needs. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
One in four women from lower income households were in crisis during the MCO, says Dr Teo. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
Patient navigators monitor patients' milestones at Hospital Queen Elizabeth II Sabah. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
A team of patient navigators (in blue), nurses and a medical officer at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Selangor. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
Patient navigators at Hospital Umum Sarawak. Photo: Cancer Research Malaysia
Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!
