October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We spoke to Zoleka Mandela, who has faced and overcome breast cancer not once, but twice.
Zoleka was first diagnosed with Grade 2B breast cancer in March 2012. At that stage Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter had been unknowingly living with cancer for roughly nine months before her diagnosis. Her son tragically passed away not too long before her cancer diagnosis. In 2016 Zoleka was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Luminal Type B cancer, which is a form of breast cancer, and completed her chemotherapy and radiation sessions in March this year.
Surviving cancer twice is certainly a huge milestone and Zoleka celebrates the fact that she can call herself a cancer survivor. ‘I talk about it all the time, because I really believe that there are so many women out there who are silenced by cancer. My reminder to them is that early detection saves lives. It saved mine twice,’ Zoleka says about being so vocal about her struggles.
In her book When Hope Whispers (Jacana Media) she talks openly about the support of her family, the loss of her two children, her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, and her fight against breast cancer. Zoleka also established the Zoleka Mandela Foundation in 2013. The aim of this foundation is to educate young people about, and assist them with, issues such as breast cancer, road safety, social responsibility, personal growth, volunteerism and accountability.
‘I don’t think women out there know that pregnancy after cancer is a possibility. I conceived naturally shortly after my last chemotherapy treatment in 2013. I hope my life story reminds all women that there is still life after the “Big C”,’ she says.
Zoleka was forced to make many lifestyle changes after her cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed with an oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, which means she had to keep an eye on her body weight. The 37-year-old worked out during all her treatments, made healthier food choices and remained positive.
‘Cancer changes your perspective on life. I’m just so grateful that I have beaten it twice and am using yet another chance at life to impact positively on the lives of those touched by it.’
With her breast-cancer diagnosis Zoleka faced some of the most difficult times of her life. Here are some tips on how to remain positive after being diagnosed with breast cancer:
1. Reach out to others who are affected by cancer
‘I made a vow to myself shortly after I completed treatment in 2013 that I would use the Zoleka Mandela Foundation to reach out to those who have been affected by cancer and to ensure that they too are as supported as I have been on their journey with cancer. I can’t quite describe how good this always makes me feel.’
2. Positivity is key
Zoleka will always remember the words of her doctor: ‘Beating cancer starts in the head.’ ‘Remaining positive, as difficult as it sounds, will honestly change your entire life! It changed mine.’
3. Make healthy choices
Zoleka made healthier choices with regard to her diet and exercise. She is very aware about the foods, drinks and products that may cause cancer. ‘Making these choices has made me feel like I can contribute to a better treatment outcome.’
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Ask for help when you need it. The support from your friends and family is just as important as the cancer treatment. ‘Being able to rely on my loved ones, especially when I had become so weak from treatments, allowed me to focus on getting stronger and it always made me feel a whole lot better.’
5. Learn about your treatment and what to expect
Play an active role in your cancer treatment. Know what your treatment entails and learn about the side effects of your treatment. ‘It really helps to know what to expect in terms of treatment side effects. I was always better prepared for what side effects my chemotherapy and radiation treatments would cause. It also helped to have some of my doctors only a phone call away to talk me through dealing with my aches, pains and concerns.’
One in every four South Africans is affected by cancer. The true cost of cancer is largely undocumented, which causes many families to face an onslaught of unexpected expenses outside of the medical costs, such as wigs, getting to and from appointments or the special foods required for a healthy diet. It is imperative to have sufficient severe-illness cover in place to help alleviate financial strain. To find out more contact Sanlam on 0860 726 526 or visit 1in4.co.za
Cover photo: courtesy of Zoleka Mandela
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