Germiston cancer survivor celebrates eleven years of treatment
Cameron was diagnosed shortly before he celebrated his 50th birthday after he noticed his left breast emitting liquid.
This year, Cameron February (61) entered his 11th year of being cancer free.
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After being diagnosed, Cameron had a single mastectomy and received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and was placed on a five-year plan of Tamoxifen tablets.
Today he is an avid badminton player which helps help him keep in shape and in good health.
Male breast cancer is rare cancer that develops in men’s breast tissue.
While men are not immune to the disease, Lucy Balona, head marketing and communications officer at the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) in Bedfordview, said that breast cancer primarily affects women.
“Early detection of male breast cancer in men increases the likelihood of a successful treatment,” said Balona.
Cameron was diagnosed shortly before he celebrated his 50th birthday after he noticed his left breast emitting liquid.
“At first, I gave it no thought. I was worried about the lump that had formed. After my birthday, I went to see a doctor to discuss it. He said it wasn’t cancerous,” said Cameron.
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While in Cape Town, he went to see a second doctor who took a fat sample for analysis and Cameron was told he had breast cancer.
“In hospital, I was the only man with breast cancer.
“The others were all women. Statistics indicate that less than 1% of men worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Cameron.
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Going through a divorce at the time and not having medical insurance to support his medical expenditures made Cameron’s struggle with cancer difficult.
Cameron is now engaged to Michele Shepherd and his son Justin is 23 years old.
He said although his circumstances were challenging, the support of friends and family helped him.
“My friend Alisha Salie helped me most and my sister Tania Wyngaard was also very encouraging,” said Cameron.
“I also made new friends at chemotherapy.”
Cameron keeps healthy by eating appropriate foods and attends annual check-ups.
Cansa
Cameron volunteers with the Cancer Association of South Africa when time allows for it and often hosts presentations to increase awareness of cancer.
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He advises that green foods, a healthy diet, and consumption of less meat are important as well as exercise.
“I am the third person in my family to receive a cancer diagnosis,” said Cameron, adding that his late uncle and grandmother also had cancer.
“For almost six years I haven’t smoked or had alcohol. I also eat more vegetables.”
He believes that keeping a positive mindset is crucial to keeping healthy.
