WHAT began as a harmless lump turned into a battle with stage three metastatic breast cancer for Winklespruit resident, Vaneshrie Naicker, 52. She is now in remission, attending regular checkups to stay ahead of the cancer’s possible return.

She commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Month by sharing her inspiring journey with the SUN.

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In 2023, she felt a lump on her breast which she deemed harmless, assuming it would be fibrosis. Towards the end of 2024, she was diagnosed. It did not surprise her, rather, she became deeply concerned about how it would impact her family.

“I had to face the reality that I had a life-threatening disease. Cancer at that point for me felt like something that only happened to other people. Now, I was one of those people, fighting this disease. The treatment plan I was placed on involved chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Each had its own side effects and challenges,” said Naicker.

She explained that chemotherapy brought nausea, diarrhoea, hair loss and a host of other complications, which varied from minor to deeply debilitating.

“The decision to have a mastectomy was one I struggled with, not merely because of the actual surgery but also the possibility of losing an integral part of my body. I hoped that I didn’t need surgery but the cancer had spread and surgery had to be done. Twenty-five doses of radiation also took its toll on my body,” said Naicker.

While undergoing chemotherapy, she joined a support group, Team C Cancer Support Group, aimed at helping those battling the disease to connect and share their experiences.

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Naicker added that her journey exposed her to the reality of just how many people silently battle cancer. Over time, she began to encourage those with cancer concerns to connect and get the proper treatment early.

“Delaying cancer testing and treatment only worsens your condition. It is vital to get checked up when you feel concerned. People with multi-morbidities and a family history of any type of cancer should get regular cancer screenings even if there is no sign of cancer, as this silent disease can target anyone at any age,” said Naicker.

She said that it was the support of her family through her cancer journey that made her realise she does not have to fight it alone.

“My 17-year-old son, Luwellyn, helped me greatly throughout the chemotherapy process. Despite these feelings of worry, fear and uncertainty, my son continually supported me and this matured him in ways that makes me so proud of the young man he is now. Not only was my family a huge part of my support but my faith in God has proved instrumental in times when the cancer journey seemed overwhelming. Trusting in him for the future and accepting his will for me is what motivates me,” said Naicker.

She encouraged those fighting cancer or who have cancer concerns to be positive, think positive and surround oneself with people who are positive.

For more information or to join Team C Cancer Support Group, contact Tertia de Wet on 072 856 3949.

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