I wanted to share my story because just like you, it never occurred to me in a million years that I would get breast cancer.

I visited my gynaecologist for my regular annual check-up which included a breast exam, my last appointment was on the 1st of February 2019.  Even though I had advised me to check my breasts regularly,  I thought an annual checkup was enough. Clearly this was not the case. 

I am writing this to raise awareness about breast cancer, it can happen to anyone. 

1 in 8 women in the USA  get breast Cancer. In addition, breast cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in South Africa and according to the National Cancer Registry, 1 in 27 women are at risk of being diagnosed in their lifetime in South Africa. These are truly scary facts which I think we don't really acknowledge and often think "it'll never happen to me".

It’s important for women to be empowered with knowledge regarding lowering their cancer and health risks and recognising warning signs. Often symptoms don’t always present themselves until cancer has spread. I encourage you to feel your breasts every 2 weeks and have annual medical check-ups as well as cancer screenings for early detection. As a mammogram is not always 100% accurate, doing an Ultrasound would be highly recommended to be safe.  

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I want to help other young women, the same way as others so kindly helped and guided me.

I feel I have to share my story because we are all human and vulnerability has the power to connect us.