Cancer is a family affair
MILPARK– About 90 per cent of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle related factors, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Cancer diagnosis is often overwhelming for both the person receiving the news and those close to him or her.
It can leave many unsure of how to help when they’re devastated or trying to process the information themselves.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and millions of families throughout the country are spending the month sharing stories, information and raising awareness of how breast cancer has affected their lives.
Tebogo Ranoto, who works in Milpark, is one such person. She has lost relatives through cancer and the process of caring for a cancer patient and that of being scared for her own life eat away at her.
“I would like to mention the emotional distress that comes with it,” said Ranoto.
“The fear of losing your loved one, the uncertainty of what will happen next, the anger of why it is happening in our family and the tension in the house while praying that today won’t be the last day,” she added.
Ranoto’s cousin, Nosipho Mampho Masilo was diagnosed in September 2013. She died on 4 October 2014, leaving behind two children.
Ranoto fears she might one day wake up and find that she has this deadly disease.
“Yes I fear that I might be at risk of getting cancer, though my doctors said otherwise… I fear because my family has already had two deaths from cancer, both my mother’s side and dad’s side,” she said.
From her experience tendering for someone with cancer, Ranato suggested absolute patience.
“Please be patient with [the sick]. Invite them to talk about their fears and concerns about the disease. Listen to them without judging them, more especially, never feel sorry for them. Love them and respect them,” she says speaking from experience.
Taking care of a cancer patient is difficult not only for the survivor or victim, but for the caregivers as well.
“The most difficult parts of taking care of a cancer patient are feeling stressed trying to balance work, child care, self-care, and other tasks, along with more responsibility at home, as they now have to be taken care of,” said Ranoto.
Ranoto ensures to raise cancer awareness through her work with Resolution Circle, a University of Johannesburg initiative.
