Fun walk debunks myths about cancer

While there have been calls for collaboration between Western medicine and traditional medical practitioners to help cancer patients, breast cancer survivor Mpumi Guma-Landela urged the community to seek professional help from certified doctors.

Guma-Landela spoke during the cancer fun walk organised by her NPO, Women of Grace, in Daveyton on October 26 to raise awareness and highlight the importance of supporting cancer patients.

With most South Africans often consulting traditional healers before primary healthcare practitioners, Guma-Landela cautioned against consuming herbs believed to cure cancer and said people should rather seek help from qualified oncologists.

“Stop believing in sangomas or fly-by-night healers because they are said to have traditional remedies to cure cancer. The treatments and medications offered in hospitals have been certified by professionals. But whatever remedy or herb you receive from a sangoma, no one knows where it came from,” said Guma-Landela.

She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (a breast cancer that has spread beyond the milk ducts) in 2022. She said some family members insisted she consult a healer who would give her a concoction to heal her cancer. She declined and consulted professionals.

“I know how frustrating it can be for cancer patients. But forget about all the information on the internet or advertised on street corners. It’s crucial to listen to professionals.”

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Cancer survivors and community members participated in the event dressed in pink costumes to bring awareness to breast cancer, which affects one in 26 women in SA, according to the 2022 National Cancer Registry.

“Without support from family, friends or neighbours, I believe you will struggle with depression during your treatment. Once you are diagnosed with cancer, your life changes, which is why you need constant motivation to keep on fighting.”

She highlighted the support she received from her husband, saying it motivated her to fight.

“We decided to come out today to show our support. I started Women of Grace to emphasise the importance of supporting each other, and today, we are passing the support and love we received onto our community,” she said.

Women of Grace member Phumzile Magagula (45), diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, said the walk aimed to debunk the myths that cancer only affects women and certain racial groups.

“Cancer doesn’t only affect women but men as well. It doesn’t only affect white people, as we have been led to believe. It chooses no colour. It affects everyone, young or old. It’s high time black people stop believing in these myths,” she said.

Guma-Landela hopes the walk made a lasting impact in her community.

“I want our people to go to the clinic regularly to get checked. Men must do regular check-ups. Don’t ignore the pains in your body. Worry about your body. Take care of yourself.”

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