Cancer is not a death sentence.
This was the sentiment shared at the CanSurvive Support Group meeting at Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton under the leadership of Apostle Isaac Sithole on September 19.
The meeting was also to commemorate Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Guest speaker Raynolda Makhutle, who was diagnosed with cervical and ovarian cancer at the age of 40, inspired the attendees with her story.
She said a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence.
“After I was diagnosed with cancer, I was angry and afraid but then I realised cancer was not a death sentence,” said Makhutle.
“If I’ve walked the journey, you can walk it too because someone else walked it before us also.”
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The 61-year-old later joined People Living with Cancer and Cancervive where she realised that there is a need for more people in black communities who can educate and provide support about this disease.
As a member of Cancervive, Makhutle travels around South Africa to provide the support that was initially denied to her.
“Once a year we go to different provinces on motorbikes spreading the message of awareness, early detection and hope,” she said.
Today she works in cervical cancer advocacy and teaches the community about the dangers of the disease and the importance of doing a pap smear.
Ronnie Nkabinde, a prostate cancer survivor and CanSurvive executive committee member, said the aim of the support group is for patients to share their experiences, concerns and obtain support and useful information from others who have been through similar experiences.
“It is important for men to ask their doctor or clinics to examine them for prostate cancer,” said Nkabinde.
“As men we tend to leave things until it’s too late because we don’t want to talk.”
He said when cancer it detected early, it can be beaten and it is also important to talk to your partners about the side effects so it can be easier for them to support you on the journey to recovery.
The Daveyton support group has over 30 members affected by cancer.
The group meets once every month. Anyone interested in being part of this initiative can call 062 275 6193 or email cansurvive@icon.co.za.
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