Kwa-Thema – Sizwe Sethu Cancer Foundation hosted a cancer awareness day at the Kwa-Thema Skills Centre recently.

The organisation’s founder, Happy Masuku, carriers a burden to educate the community after she lived through her own ordeal with cancer twice.

“When I was in Grade 10, although I was excited to develop breasts, I experienced a lot of pain on one side. I noticed lumps, but I was too scared to tell anyone.

“Over time, my immune system began to malfunction. Eventually, I could not hide the pain anymore,” she explained.

Masuku went to her local clinic to seek medical attention.

“I was quickly transferred to the hospital, where all the screening was done. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 14,” said Masuku.

It was recommended that she undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove the lumps.

“The surgery did not go as planned, because it ended up negatively affecting the use of my left arm. But I was cancer-free after all the treatment,” she added.

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Masuku said that her relief was short-lived when three years later she started experiencing the same symptoms.

“This time the lumps were much bigger. I knew that I had to seek medical attention,” she explained.

Because of the results of the previous surgery, Masuku, with her mother’s advice, decided to go to a different medical facility.

“I got a second and third opinion. I will say that it was hard for me to accept that I was going through this suffering again. But all the results showed that the cancer was back,” she said.

Fortunately, she was able to receive laser treatment instead of going under the knife. Masuku said that although she was teased because her breasts are uneven and scarred, she is proud to be a survivor and activist.

“I believe that education will also help break any stigma that exists about cancer,” she concluded.

Mpho Nkosi from the Cancer Association of South Africa encouraged everyone to pay attention to their bodies and any change that occurs.

“Our organisation helps to screen for cancer, we educate the community, we do research and advocate for those affected by cancer.

“Cancer has no race; it can affect anyone at any age. Some factors can make some people more at risk, but anyone can get cancer.

“It can also occur anywhere in the body,” she explained.

Nkosi encouraged the community to go for screenings regularly, even when they do not feel sick.

“The factors that increase the risk of getting cancer that are within our control include poor diet, what you drink, and whether you are physically active. Try to move your body for 30 minutes, five times a week,” she added.

The day’s events included a fun walk. The participants also released pink balloons in honour of those who have died fighting cancer.