'I never thought it would happen to me’
Early detection is key to fighting cancer, says Linda Mzilikazi, 72, who has been cancer-free for seven years.
Speaking at the Gugulethu library last Friday, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ms Mzilikazi told how she had been shocked to receive her cancer diagnosis at the age of 65 in 2017 after finding a lump in her breast.
“I had emotions. I was not ready to hear such devastating news. I never thought it would happen to me,” she said.
But the cancer had been caught early, and her doctor had encouraged her by telling her that she should be celebrating as her chances of survival were very good, she said.
"I had hope again because he gave me support... But it was a very challenging time.“
Women and men should go for check-ups as detecting cancer early gave you a better chance of recovering from it, she said.
“We cannot afford to be reckless with our lives. You have to... be on the front foot to detect anything in your body. Let us be wise.”
However, she added that a cancer diagnosis was not an easy thing to cope with, and those confronting the illness should consider speaking to their doctors, cancer survivors as well as friends and family for support.
“I know that one’s mental health becomes affected. Some people struggle with their mental health while others find it hard to cope with the physical impact that treatment has on their body. You become depressed. But one should know that you can still survive. When you are diagnosed with it, it does not mean you are not a woman. You are a complete woman."
Ms Mzilikazi is now a member of Reach for Recovery, a non-profit organisation supporting breast cancer patients and their families.
