Cancer Survivor Speaks Out
JOBURG - Trisch Rosema is a cancer survivor, motorcycle enthusiast and dedicated supporter of the PinkDrive initiative.
Rosema was 25 years old when a routine pap smear showed up some suspicious results. After
further examination it was discovered that two areas in her cervix showed up cancerous. “Cancer
was almost a hush-hush subject during the 1980s,” Rosema said. “At the time, cervical cancer
patients were labelled as ‘loose chicks with low morals’ so it embarrassed me to no end even though
the reality was that I was married, had a child and was a good law-abiding citizen who was definitely
not promiscuous.”
Rosema was diagnosed by a specialist with having stage 3A cervical cancer and was told that they
needed to operate. “I was so young, I didn’t ask questions,” she said. Rosema also had to undergo
chemotherapy and radiation to combat the cancer. “I hated the chemo and radiation because it
made me terribly sick,” she said. “They didn’t have ports like they do these days; they just shoved
needles into my veins.”
Rosema attributes much of her strength during this period to a case of ignorance is bliss. “Looking
back I wonder if not knowing too much was actually better for me,” she said.
Rosema, who has been cancer-free for 25 years, is now an active member of PinkDrive which
is a breast cancer public benefit organisation. PinkDrive runs two mobile breast check units
and three educational cars which ‘drive home’ the fact that early detection saves lives. To date
the organisation has provided over 5000 free mammograms, done over 54 000 clinical breast
examinations, educated over 79 000 women, and distributed over 90 000 educational materials.
Being a motorcycle enthusiast Rosema has started PinkRide in association with PinkDrive with
her friend, Julie Purkis. Rosema and Purkis organise motorcycle rides for cancer awareness and to
educate women on how early detection is vital.
Rosema explained that she supports PinkDrive because of their tireless efforts to dispel the myth
that all types of cancer kill.
“It’s extremely important that women have regular breast examinations and have a pap smear every
year,” Rosema said. “It’s not a cliche that early detection saves lives, it’s a reality. It saved my life.”
