Breast cancer survivor raises awareness

“Hearing that you have breast cancer is not something easy to take in. I was diagnosed with cancer on 14 December 2007 with stage three of triple negative breast cancer. Thankfully I did not have to have a mastectomy; a regime to suit my specific type of breast cancer and needs was designed. I went through aggressive chemotherapy to shrink the lump in my breast, then had a lumpectomy and radiation which ultimately saved my breast. News of cancer always comes as a shock, especially in cases like mine where there is no history of breast cancer in my family.”

“I was forced to cope with physical changes such as fatigue and hair-loss and night sweats from having chemotherapy. The surgery and recovery were physically and emotionally exhausting. Anyone can be affected by breast cancer, if you are diagnosed go for a second or third opinion. If your first port of call was a surgeon please contact a Breast Care Centre and speak to an oncologist as well,” she added.

Saaiman said she hoped to “build a global support or guidance and information hub to create a higher level of understanding and balance for breast cancer through communication, coaching, counselling and progressive thinking”. In an effort to raise more awareness for breast cancer Saaiman has a Facebook page, Balance4BreastCancer.

Saaiman is also involved with Eastleigh Breast and Women Health Centre in Pretoria and Wings of Hope in Johannesburg. She lives with her life partner in Midrand and does not have children.

The Cancer Association of South Africa reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women, and that one in 33 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Many breast lumps are harmless but they should be checked, as early detection is key.