Cancer Survivors’ Day: It takes a village to live through cancer

As we mark Cancer Survivors Day on 4 June, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness honours those who have survived cancer, remembers all people who are still bravely fighting it, and the community and healthcare workers who fight alongside them.

We spoke to people who have survived cancer and are still fighting it. Through these stories, we are reminded that help is available to protect your health at every stage of your life. These are just a few stories from people in the Western Cape. 

Fairouze Lawrence: Living through cancer with support

When 58-year-old Fairouze Lawrence started experiencing unexpected weakness in her legs, she knew something wasn’t right. Her family called Emergency Medical Services, and she was quickly taken to hospital for care.

“The ambulance came so quickly, and they helped me onto the bed, if I could find those ambulance people who helped me that day, I would thank them again. At the hospital, they helped me settle in the doctors later did tests to find out what was going on. The HealthNet teams were also very supportive,” she recalls.

The Bridgetown resident, who received ongoing care at Heideveld Community Health Centre, was later diagnosed with breast cancer and spinal compression at Groote Schuur Hospital. After a journey that included constant support, she received treatment. Today, she continues treatment for her spine, but she remains positive.

“I’m still on this journey, but I’ve come so far. I am now on bone strengthening treatment and it’s helping me to stand longer. Thanks to the amazing support of my family, especially my two daughters, and the healthcare workers who care for me, I believe that I will be okay.” 

Amy Britz: Cancer free ahead of her 16th birthday

Another cancer survivor shares her own story of hope. Eerste River resident Amy Britz was just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, after discovering a swelling below her knee. She was referred to Tygerberg Hospital after visiting Eerste River Hospital. She began her treatment that included chemotherapy and surgeries. “Thankfully, Eerste River Hospital made an immediate referral to Tygerberg Hospital. We were lucky to get our first appointment at Tygerberg hospital, four days after our visit to our doctor.”

Amy shared that she faced many setbacks, but with the support of her mother, family, friends and healthcare workers, she survived. “I became very depressed through this journey. I was missing school, especially my friends. I got support from a lot of people at the hospital and CANSA. When I saw the worry on my family members’ faces, during weekend visits to see me, I decided I want to live. I decided that I will win this battle, and I will get better. I started thinking more positively and saw the bright side of this condition. My school friends, school principal and teacher sent ongoing messages. All of this support helped me through.”

In October 2022, Amy rang the bell to mark the end of her chemotherapy. Amy shared that she looks forward to her 16th birthday this July. She is back at school and cancer free. Amy continues regular check-ups and surrounds herself with friends who uplift her. 

Jennifer Cerfortein: ‘I got through cancer and TB’

Jennifer proudly shared that she has been cancer free for seven years after a long journey. After developing a persistent cough, Jennifer visited her local healthcare facility for a TB test. At this time, she was also referred to Groote Schuur Hospital for more tests. “I remember I was home after my TB test when the nurse from Grassy Park day hospital visited my house to let me know that I had TB and I needed to come to the clinic. They helped me and I started treatment for TB.”

Later, she had a scan at Groote Schuur Hospital, where healthcare workers discovered that she had lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. “I remember the doctor at Groote Schuur, I can’t remember his name, but I remember how kind he was. He told me not to worry and that I was going to overcome cancer and they would flush it all out. I remained positive and with the help of the healthcare team and my family, I survived and am cancer free to this day. This year, I will be cancer free for seven years!” 

Hlangoluhle Thys: Still fighting with hope

Little Hlangoluhle sat on her father’s lap while watching her favourite show online. Her father, Siphokuhle Mtiya, shared their story. “We are here today because my daughter has leukemia. We noticed something was wrong in March this year and brought her in immediately. She had a high temperature, and her mom brought her straight to the emergency room. Later, we were told that she has cancer.”

While their journey to a cancer free life for Hlangoluhle has just begun, Siphokuhle is hopeful that his daughter will one day ring the bell to signal the end of her treatment. “The doctors and staff at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital are amazing. From admissions to being discharged, everyone is so supportive and helpful, and they lead by example on how to treat people. We really thought it was going to be bad for our daughter but a doctor explained everything to us and gave us hope.”

Siphokuhle shared a message of encouragement to people facing cancer. “I think you need to leave some room for disappointment, but don’t lose your hope or your faith in God. Get help if you need it and do your best to get treatment if needed. There is hope for you too.” 

Signs to get help and where to go

To help detect cancer in children early, look out for the Saint Siluan early warning signs:

S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms.
I – White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball.
L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicles or glands.
U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising and bleeding.
A – Aching bones, joints and back, and easy fractures.
N – Neurological signs, a change in walking, balance or speech, regression of the developmental milestones, continuous headaches with or without vomiting and an enlarged head.

How to access support, parents or caregivers should do the following:

Take your children to their nearest clinic or general practitioner if you notice any early warning signs of childhood cancer. Other diseases may also cause these symptoms.

“Childhood cancer is proof that life can often feel unfair. We as doctors in oncology promise to stand by your side and help you on the journey to ringing the bell, one day at a time. And as the memory of your treatment becomes a thing of the past, I hope you will share your story with others, so that they can know how strong you are and how much you have overcome,” said Dr Leilah Schoonraad, a paediatric oncologist at Tygerberg Hospital.

If the symptoms persist despite treatment at the primary healthcare clinic, discuss your concerns with a healthcare worker and discuss a referral to Tygerberg Hospital or Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.  

In adults, early detection saves lives. The World Health Organization recommends looking out for:

• Unusual bleeding or discharge (like in urine, stool, nipples)
• Sores that don’t heal
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• New or growing lumps (especially in breast or testicles)
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• Changes in moles (shape, colour, size)
• Difficulty swallowing

It is also important to live a healthy lifestyle and to life a healthy lifestyle by avoiding tobacco use, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise if you can. 

If you notice any of the signs, please visit your nearest clinic. Getting help early makes a difference.