CERVICAL cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among South African women.
This is according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) that recently launched its Cervical Cancer Awareness and Support Campaign on International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Day on 4 March 2021.
The campaign aims to address awareness of HPV and the link with cervical cancer. It also seeks to educate regarding risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer as well as promote early detection through screening.
Bluff resident, Lynette Goncalves De Sousa Maia, shared her journey with cervical cancer and stressed the importance of women prioritising their health. “In April 2018 I started bleeding. I didn’t think anything of it because in my younger days my menstrual cycle wasn’t regular. And I thought it might be stressed related until I went to see a doctor in July and he said the bleeding was pre-menopausal and it would continue for two years. But the next morning I was bleeding excessively and passed out. My son found me in the bathroom. My sister rushed me to Wentworth Hospital and they didn’t do much for me. After seeing more doctors I went to Kind Edward Hospital where they ran blood tests and a biopsy. In October 2018, I was diagnosed with stage 2B cervical cancer. I cried because I automatically thought I was going to die. I was terrified. My husband passed away in 2007 and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen to my children. Cancer is so scary.”
Her diagnosis was followed by numerous visits to the doctor, radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. She said it was a difficult time for her and still had to work in between her treatments. She said her family, friends, fellow cancer patients and her faith in God kept her going when she was at her lowest.
“Last year was a terrible year for me. I was very ill and had two operations. It felt like I was dying. I also had a special friend who stood by me day and night through everything and is still by my side today. My bosses and colleagues were very understanding during that difficult time. But I had a young son who I had to fight for and take care of. I thank and hold on to God because that’s all that you can do.”
Today at 51 years old, she is cancer free and has a new lease on life. Lynette stresses the importance of regular medical check-ups.
“Doing a pap smear is important. Even with four children, it wasn’t something I prioritised. I don’t have medical aid and it’s so easy not to think of doing checks like that. I never really believed people who said you need to go for pap smears regularly. I never thought I’d fall ill or get cancer.”
Her words of encouragement to other cancer patients: “Never give up. Hold on to God because he is the only one who can carry you through this. He won’t let you down.”
CANSA is available to support, advocate for and to educate cervical cancer patients to cope better with their diagnosis, and to understand how to access vital services for better treatment outcomes, and to help ensure that they have access to counselling and pain medication during treatment.
For more information call the toll free number on 0800 22 66 22 or visit the website on www.cansa.org.za
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