Hanan Alharat

Moroco- In a time when many still associate cancer with death, Hanan Al-Khammar stands out as a living example of a woman who transformed pain into hope and illness into a message of life. Her journey began in 2019, when she discovered a lump in her breast. Out of fear, she delayed seeking treatment and later faced an advanced stage of the disease. Yet, she refused to give up.

As cities around the world are adorned with pink during the month of October- Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Hanan raises her own flag in her battle against the disease. Speaking to our agency with a calm smile that hides the weight of her experience, she says:

“Twice I faced cancer, and twice I came back stronger and more in love with life.”

 

Turning Pain into a Message of Hope

She explains that her journey with the illness began in 2019, when she first discovered the lump but ignored it out of fear.

“I left it for too long because I was afraid. Had I gone to the doctor earlier, I wouldn’t have needed a full mastectomy, nor would the cancer have returned.”

After her first recovery, she decided to turn her pain into a message of hope. She launched a social media channel to raise awareness among women about the importance of early detection and fighting fear and false beliefs.

“Many women still associate cancer with death, and this deadly idea makes them give up before medicine even has a chance to save them.”

Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she was determined not to let her appearance reflect defeat.

“I wanted to show that illness cannot take away my femininity or my faith in life.”

Hanan believes that psychological wellbeing plays a crucial role in healing, and that positive energy and faith can ease even the harshest side effects.

“Cancer doesn’t mean death- it can be the start of a new, brighter chapter. Early detection is the gold of life.”

The Return of the Disease

Two years after her recovery, in late 2021, the cancer returned- this time spreading to her liver and spinal cord.

“I chose life again. Even when doctors said it was the final stage, I told myself that anything is possible.”

She believes the illness changed her from within. She learned to care for herself more and to prioritize her physical and mental health.

“I became a different person. I started new activities and began sharing my story with others. I found peace in helping people and encouraging other women to seek treatment.”

From the depths of her struggle, a new passion was born. Hanan resumed her studies at Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, where she earned a diploma in Patient Partner in Oncology, qualifying her to accompany cancer patients.

“After my experience, I continued my education so I could support others going through the same thing. Today, I’m a coach and energy therapist helping those who have walked the same path.”

She says she has helped many women overcome pain and fear: “I’ve been able to comfort them, educate them about their illness, and help them reconcile with cancer and the negative beliefs surrounding it.”

She warns against using herbal or traditional remedies alongside medical treatment, as they can cause serious complications, emphasizing that cancer requires specialized medical care.

Hanan laments that society still views patients with pity or fear.

“When I talk about mastectomy, I see some women panic- as if it’s a forbidden subject. This attitude hurts patients emotionally and makes them give up before even starting treatment. Fear is the main reason many women avoid early screening. We’ve linked cancer to death, and that dark idea is more dangerous than the disease itself.”

 

Cancer as a Message for Life

Hanan believes that illness is not a punishment but a message.

“Disease is an opportunity for change, not for defeat. I found more good than bad in cancer—it taught me patience and strengthened my faith.”

Because of her awareness campaigns online, she now receives messages from women across Arab and European countries thanking her for inspiring them to seek treatment or undergo screening after watching her videos.

“When I read that a woman chose to fight because of me, I feel I’ve accomplished the greatest thing possible.”

She ends her story with a message of hope: “Cancer is like any other illness- it only requires patience and faith. I was diagnosed a second time, in stage four, the most advanced stage, yet after treatment and focusing on my mental health, here I am- healthy and alive, four years later.”

 

The Message of Pink October

“Cancer does not equal death- it’s the beginning of a new, better life,” Hanan says, raising her own flag during Pink October.

“Cancer took my hair and part of my health, but it gave me back myself. It taught me that life is not measured by the number of days we live, but by how much love and faith we sow within them.”