Celebrating cancer survivors
Cancer survivors, Sharon van Straaten and Michelle Luyt, shed some light on the uphill battle faced by those who have defeated the dreaded disease.
“BEATING cancer is both a physical and mental journey, but people don’t realise how much mental strength is needed to keep on living after the disease has been defeated.” This was the sentiments expressed by Sharon Van Straaten, a cancer survivor and founder of the Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation on the eve of Cancer Survivor’s Day, which is celebrated on 5 June.
The day is not only aimed at celebrating the bravery of the survivors, but also to raise awareness regarding the uphill battle they face after going into remission. According to the uMhlanga resident, the shock of the diagnoses and the subsequent straining treatment is half the battle.
“There is a whole new journey survivors face after they have been declared cancer free.
“We live under constant threat and often develop oncophobia – the fear of the cancer returning. As an organisation we try and encourage the survivors to live a full and productive life without being limited by cancer, but also to remain vigilant of everything that happens in their bodies,” she said.
“When we feel a crick in the knees we immediately think it is cancer. But that is not always a bad thing, as early detection is key. The earlier the cancer is detected the better your chances,” she added.
Another aspect survivors often deal with said Michelle Luyt, a fellow cancer survivor and project manager at the organisation, is survivor’s guilt.
“There are some people who get cancer twice and others whose cancer prognosis looks good, but by some twist of fate doesn’t beat the disease and then there are those who, despite harrowing odds survive. And so survivors often grapple with the question ‘why me? Why did I survive?’
“We try and teach survivors that there is no answer to that question and that they need to focus on enjoying the time and opportunities that they have been given,” she said Luyt.
Through the organisation’s Brave & Beautiful Ambassadors (survivors who have opted to share their battle with the world) Van Straaten said they hoped to inspire others and educate them on the fact that cancer can be beaten. A book featuring the ambassadors can be bought on the website (www.pinkphoenix.co.za).
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