Surviving cancer
KYALAMI ESTATES - Resident, Joanna Poludniak (51) is lending her efforts to create awareness of colorectal cancer as an ambassador for health organisation Be Cancer Aware.
In March this year, awareness was created for this type of cancer globally during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The disease is the third most common cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and is the fourth most common cancer among men and women in South Africa.
Despite this high statistic, very few people have heard about colorectal cancer or know much about it. This form of cancer occurs in the colon (large intestine) or rectum.
Poludniak had been suffering with stomach pains for at least two years before being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Early signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are often ambiguous and can be confused with other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or peptic ulcers.
During two years of constant stomach pain, Poludniak was being treated for what her doctors suspected were stomach ulcers. When she started losing weight, she thought it was stress-related. “But then I was getting tired, I lost my appetite and after each meal my stomach hurt,” she said. “Driving my children to extra-murals was becoming more and more difficult. I was losing my breath and it was hard to climb steps,” she said.
In September 2012, a physical examination showed that there was a mass in her stomach and she was sent for blood tests, a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. She was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “It was tiring but manageable. I had to wait six months after I completed treatment and I would be fine again – at least that’s what I was hoping for.” Tests in March last year revealed the cancer was back in her glands.
She had more surgery, a different chemotherapy treatment and biologic therapy which was a success.
It’s been a year since Poludniak’s last chemotherapy session and she is now on maintenance treatment to ensure the cancer does not return. “If not for my family, friends and my doctors, I’m not sure how I would cope with my sickness,” said Poludniak.
Since her diagnosis, Poludniak is a strong supporter of colorectal cancer awareness. “I hope my experience will help others to recognise symptoms early enough to prevent the spread of cancer.”
Details: www.becanceraware.co.za
