Breast cancer survivors share hope and resilience
Cancer survivors and Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer and Support Joyce Witbooi, Phumza Jongwana, and Vuyiswa Marhubelela encouraged women to seek help immediately if they notice any changes, irritations, or lumps in their breasts.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Senior librarian at the Gugulethu Library, Primrose Mki, made a plea to men to also test for cancer.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Gugulethu residents - most of them seniors - were told how to stay healthy after a cancer diagnosis.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Breast cancer survivors who once felt like they were on “death row” shared testimonies during a breast and cervical cancer awareness campaign at Gugulethu Library on Thursday, October 16.
The event, hosted in partnership with City Health and Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer and Support, aimed to empower women with knowledge about early detection and the importance of regular self-examinations.
Survivors who attended shared personal stories of hardship, resilience, and survival to inspire others to prioritise their health.
Joyce Witbooi, who has been cancer-free for 17 years, spoke candidly about her journey through diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy. A volunteer with Reach for Recovery, she highlighted the emotional and physical toll of cancer treatment but urged women not to lose hope.
“It was not easy when I was diagnosed, but I had to accept it,” she said. “I went through a lumpectomy and several sessions of chemotherapy. The treatment weakens your whole system, but I made it. Today, I am 17 years cancer-free. I want people not to be discouraged when they hear the word ‘cancer.”
Speaking to a half-full hall, Ms Witbooi was joined by fellow survivors Vuyiswa Marhubelela and Phumza Jongwana, who echoed the call for regular screenings and medical check-ups, especially when symptoms appear.
“The first person to diagnose you should be a doctor,” said Ms Jongwana. “When I was diagnosed three years ago, it felt like the sky was falling. I cried; it’s a normal reaction, but I later accepted it and went through all the necessary treatments. I’m still standing today.”
Women were encouraged to seek help immediately if they notice any changes, irritations, or lumps in their breasts.
Primrose Mki, senior librarian at Gugulethu Library, said the library organised the event as part of their health calendar initiatives, especially during Cancer Awareness Month.
“We serve the community, and part of that is creating access to health information,” said Ms Mki. “We arranged for mobile clinics to provide advice and screenings. Women must do regular breast examinations and should not be afraid of testing.”
Ms Mki also urged men not to ignore their health, specifically encouraging prostate cancer screenings. “Men are often silent about their health concerns,” she said. “Many are dying quietly, even though help is available. We want to break that silence.”