KNOWING and understanding your body is the most essential thing everybody needs to learn, said two local breast cancer survivors.
“In African culture people say a person has been bewitched when they have cancer but that is not true. I’ve seen people dying because they believed they were bewitched and went to see sangomas,” she said.
Through the help of the East London Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) both Songca and Kohler have been able to live positive lives full of energy and are an inspiration to other survivors.
CANSA educates the public on the importance of recognising the early warning signs and they also encourage early detection of cancers by various methods.
CANSA counsellor Vuvu Gqibitole said they encouraged breast examinations, cervical cancer screenings and testicular self examination.
Gqibitole said they also offered patients cancer coping kits, wigs, a prothesis service, a lymph clinic, medical equipment and counselling.
Every three months Songca goes for a check-up but other than that she lives a normal life and enjoys sharing her story with other people.
“I buy books about cancer and when I do my talks I am able to talk about other cancers as well, not just breast cancer.”
Both Songca and Kohler strongly believe people need to do self-examinations often.
“Cancer is not the end but it is the beginning of a different journey,” said Kohler said.
For more details call CANSA toll- free on 0800-226-622 or visit their East London offices in Berea. —
Cancer can be beaten if it is detected early
“In African culture people say a person has been bewitched when they have cancer but that is not true. I’ve seen people dying because they believed they were bewitched and went to see sangomas,” she said.
Through the help of the East London Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) both Songca and Kohler have been able to live positive lives full of energy and are an inspiration to other survivors.
CANSA educates the public on the importance of recognising the early warning signs and they also encourage early detection of cancers by various methods.
CANSA counsellor Vuvu Gqibitole said they encouraged breast examinations, cervical cancer screenings and testicular self examination.
Gqibitole said they also offered patients cancer coping kits, wigs, a prothesis service, a lymph clinic, medical equipment and counselling.
Every three months Songca goes for a check-up but other than that she lives a normal life and enjoys sharing her story with other people.
“I buy books about cancer and when I do my talks I am able to talk about other cancers as well, not just breast cancer.”
Both Songca and Kohler strongly believe people need to do self-examinations often.
“Cancer is not the end but it is the beginning of a different journey,” said Kohler said.
For more details call CANSA toll- free on 0800-226-622 or visit their East London offices in Berea. —
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