At the Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme in Zambia, one of the challenges we face is convincing women to get screened when they aren’t visibly sick. In the past, preventative services haven’t been common in Zambia. As a result, many see the clinic as a place for severely ill people only, not supposedly healthy people.
Juliet, a Zambian breast cancer survivor, has been a key advocate for the early prevention of women’s cancers in Zambia. In February 2012, Juliet attended the Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer (C4YW) in New Orleans. Afterwards, she declared “I’m more ready than ever to help other cancer survivors, cancer patients, and HIV/AIDS patients.” I’d like to share Juliet’s story with you:
“In the year 2007, an abnormal tissue started growing on the left side of my breast. The tissue was painless, so I did nothing about it. In 2008, a group of breast cancer survivors from Breakthrough Cancer Trust visited the women’s organization I belong to. Although the survivors taught us to recognize breast cancer, I did not yet realize I was a victim.
In early 2009, I started experiencing sharp pains in my breast. However, I didn’t decide to go to the clinic for the pain until May 2010. The clinic referred me to the local hospital for a mammogram and a biopsy. When I returned two months later for the results, the doctor said “You have breast cancer. Where were you all these years and what were you doing?” I was shocked and started crying.
The doctor asked me to go for counseling and simple mastectomy the following day. Initially, I refused. However, when I explained my situation to my husband, children, and sisters, they encouraged me to undergo the operation as soon as possible. I had my operation on the 18th November, 2010. I cried because it was my first-born son’s birthday and I felt my operation had spoilt his day.
I underwent chemotherapy for the next 6 months and radiation therapy following that. I faced many challenges, including low white blood cell counts, but with the Lord’s grace I managed. All in all, I give thanks to God Almighty for helping me withstand this trying moment. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my immediate family and everyone else who supported me physically, financially, and spiritually.”
A huge thank you to Juliet and all the incredible, dedicated women leaders who are promoting the prevention of women’s cancer in Zambia. Every woman has the right to live a life without cancer. (Photo: Juliet earlier this year)
