.Commemorating World Cancer Day: My Journey as a Survivor
On 04 February, the world observed World Cancer Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, promoting prevention, and mobilising action to address the global cancer epidemic.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. For me, that curveball came in the form of three words I never thought I’d hear: ‘You have cancer.’
In that moment, the world seemed to stand still. My mind raced with questions, fears and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. But this is not just a story about illness - it’s a story of resilience, hope, and survival.
I remember the day clearly. A routine check-up turned into a series of tests, followed by the news that would change my life forever. Hearing the word ‘cancer’ felt like an out-of-body experience. I was terrified, confused and angry. Why me? I asked myself countless times. But amidst the fear, a small voice inside whispered: You are stronger than you think.
Treatment was a battlefield. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries - each came with its own set of challenges. There were days when getting out of bed felt impossible, when the pain was unbearable, and when I questioned if I could keep fighting. I lost my hair, my strength and, at times, my sense of identity. But I never lost hope.
What kept me going was the support of my family, friends, and healthcare team. Their unwavering belief in my ability to fight gave me strength when I had none left. I also found courage in small victories - completing a round of treatment, managing a smile despite the fatigue or simply seeing the sunrise after a long night of worry.
Surviving cancer isn’t just a physical battle; it’s an emotional one. Fear of the unknown, anxiety about the future, and grief for the life I had before cancer were constant companions. But through it all, I learned to embrace vulnerability, to ask for help and to cherish every moment, no matter how small.
Cancer taught me lessons I never expected to learn. It showed me the depth of my resilience and the incredible capacity of the human spirit to heal - not just the body but also the heart and the mind. I discovered strength I didn’t know I had, and a sense of gratitude for the simple things: a warm cup of tea, a walk in the fresh air, the laughter of loved ones.
Surviving cancer doesn’t mean the journey is over. There are scars, both seen and unseen, and the fear of recurrence lingers. But I’ve learned to live with those fears, not in their shadow. Life after cancer is different, but it’s also richer in meaning. Every day is a gift, and I no longer take anything for granted.
To anyone facing this battle right now: I see you. I know the fear, the pain and the uncertainty. But I also know the strength that lies within you, even when you feel like it’s gone. You are more than your diagnosis. You are a fighter, a survivor and a beacon of hope.
Cancer may have been part of my journey, but it does not define me. I am defined by my courage, my resilience and the love that carried me through. This is my story, but it’s also the story of millions of survivors around the world- a testament to the power of hope, determination and the human spirit.
Ms Shakila Thakurpersad is a Public Relations Practitioner at the University of KwaZulu-Natal based in the Corporate Relations Division. She has served the University for 30 years in various departments and portfolios.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Photograph: Supplied