KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) recently introduced NORA, short for Navigation, Outreach and Resource Access, at a media roundtable in Kuala Lumpur Gold and Country Club.
The session, hosted by Prof Dr Cheong Sok Ching, Chief Scientific Officer of CRMY, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH), partner hospitals, and members of the media to discuss the future of patient navigation in Malaysia.
Born out of a decade of collaboration between CRMY, MOH, and public hospitals, NORA builds on the success of the Patient Navigation Programme (PNP), a pioneering initiative that helps women overcome barriers to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The programme offers structured, one-to-one guidance for patients from the moment of diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, addressing common challenges such as financial hardship, logistical issues, and fear of treatment.
Developed through CRMY’s evidence-based research, NORA represents Malaysia’s first nationwide patient navigation model. Since its pilot in 2015 at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), Klang, the programme has expanded to 18 public hospitals, supporting more than 5,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and reaching over 20,000 families.
The initiative has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an example of person-centred cancer care that reduces inequities, improves access to treatment, and enhances survival outcomes.
The name NORA captures the programme’s expanded mission to guide, support, and empower patients at every step of their cancer journey:
- Navigation: Guiding patients through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups.
- Outreach: Engaging communities to promote early detection.
- Resource Access: Connecting patients with financial, emotional, and logistical support.
Dr Cheong said, “NORA represents a clearer, stronger purpose. We wanted a name that patients and partners can easily recognise and connect with, one that reflects putting patients at the heart of our work and reflective of Malaysia’s commitment to accessible cancer care. NORA brings these elements together to ensure that no woman is left behind in her cancer journey.”
Dr Imi Sairi, National Head of Service for Breast and Endocrine Surgery added, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Cancer Research Malaysia on NORA where improvements in treatment adherence and reduction in delays in care are clearly seen. Through this partnership, we are ensuring that every woman, regardless of background or location, receives the care and support she deserves.”
The programme is supported by Yayasan PETRONAS and Yayasan Sime Darby, whose contributions have enabled its expansion and long-term impact. NORA now stands as a scalable model of patient navigation that can be implemented to guide newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to complete live-saving treatment.
The launch, held in conjunction with Pink October, marked a key milestone in CRMY’s ongoing mission to make cancer care accessible, equitable, and compassionate for all Malaysians.
