Cancer stigma is a great problem in South Africa, it touches all groups, ages and genders and impacts cancer patients daily.
With our current survey we aim to gain more information and insight into the role of cancer stigma in our communities.
Often the journey through cancer can be lonely and confusing. You need clarity and peace of mind!
We help patients lighten the load during their cancer journey.
A helping hand...
Positive steps to take control of your situation, to help yourself heal.
We are dedicated to help you face the journey
to find a cancer buddy...
Life begins at 40! I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1998. Working as a banker at that stage, I knew nothing about cancer, except that it was a killer. I suffered from womb complications since the age of 15. When I turned 40 I decided to get a second opinion and a general check...
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1998. Working as a banker at that stage, I knew nothing about cancer, except that it was a killer.
I suffered from womb complications since the age of 15.
When I turned 40 I decided to get a second opinion and a general check up, The doctor suggested a Pap Smear. When the results came I was told I had cancer, but that it can be removed. This came as a shock to me. We had a family doctor who never suggested a Pap Smear. Anger and frustration boiled in me. I had mixed emotions because of lack of knowledge. My husband was unemployed for more than 4yrs already and I had 2 teenagers – one in college and the youngest was still in High School. My whole life was now turned around.
I had my operation shortly after that and 3 months later when I went for a checkup the tests confirmed tumors on both ovaries. The Oncologist suggested a hysterectomy. In our culture, when you loose a womb, you are stigmatized that you are not a complete woman. I needed strong faith to overcome this trauma. My in-laws negatively influenced my husband, who began to physically abuse me.
After the surgery, I also had to deal with post menopausal symptoms I knew nothing about. My medical bills were piling up. I had a financial strain, because my medical aid became exhausted, but I had to be strong for my kids’ sake.
Twenty months after my surgery, my husband died of a heart attack. I struggled with depression which led to a minor stroke.
Five years after my surgery, my mom at 74 was diagnosed with a rare cancer. She had no medical aid. My family had to face another trying time. My survival convinced everyone that my mom would survive too. She survived for 5 years but on the 8th of July 2009 we lost her to a stroke.
I am 52 years old now and living my life to the fullest. “Life is a jigsaw puzzle” (full of challenges) but we can overcome everything by the grace of the Lord. It is a privilege to understand that everything happens for a reason or purpose. The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.
Today I am grateful to know that “cancer is not a death sentence”. I’m still alive, and blessed with six grandchildren, including a set of twins. I’m hoping to make a difference in people’s lives.
Looking forward to motivate and encourage the disadvantaged and People Living with Cancer in South Africa.
