A proper diagnosis, effective treatment, a healthy diet, a strong support system, prayer and a positive attitude is how Butterworth resident Nondumiso Ngozwana beat cancer.
Diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago, Ngozwana said it was discovered in an unusual manner as it started with a sharp pain in her left breast, which she regularly complained about at her doctor’s visits for three years.
Suspecting it was cancer, Ngozwana said her doctors disputed this, saying breast cancer would first present with a lump.
Two tests were done but both came back negative.
It was only after Ngozwana discovered a lump the size of a golf ball that cancer was suspected. A third test came back positive.
Not shocked by the results, the cancer survivor said doctors gave her a list of options, the most drastic being to surgically remove her breast.
With three children already, Ngozwana went under the knife.
She said having already undergone nine operations helped her to remain calm throughout the entire process.
Less than 10 days after the operation and a round of radiation therapy, Ngozwana said she was able to leave the cancer behind her and continue living her life.
“I’m sure the diagnosing doctor was shocked because when she told me it was cancer, I just asked her ‘what’s next?’.
“When she suggested removing my breast I did have a moment of worry because I knew I would be deformed after that.
“But then I remembered that this was for my health and the decision became easy,” she said.
“My positive attitude made this easier for me. I also come from a praying family so throughout the entire process I always put God first.
“My family were so supportive and that made me strong. Another important element is the complete change I made to my lifestyle, which kept the cancer away until this day.”
Last year, Ngozwana registered a non-profit foundation called the Ndumi Ngozwana Cancer Foundation.
“Through the foundation, she counsels cancer patients and provides information about the disease and treatment to rural and remote areas.
“Many people in the rural areas, once diagnosed with cancer, believe they have been bewitched.
“They will visit traditional healers where someone from the community will be identified and blamed for this illness.
“They will also take traditional medicine instead of seeking proper treatment.
“Also, because there are only primary hospitals in those areas, many of those who want to access treatment struggle.
“I would like to assist by being the link between those hospitals and the oncology unit available here in East London,” she said, adding that more schoolchildren were being diagnosed with cancer.
“Many schoolchildren are diagnosed with leukaemia, colon cancer or brain tumours.
“Breast cancer used to affect people from the age of 35 and up, but now it’s affecting young girls as well.
“This is not just about women, men get cancer too. I’m also providing information to men about prostate and breast cancer.”
Ngozwana said the most important lesson she had learnt from having cancer was that it could be beaten.
“Fight to beat cancer, and you can win.
“Don’t wait for the grave.
“Be positive and cancer will not keep you down.”..