BREAST cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in South Africa, and according to the National Cancer Registry, one in 27 women are at risk of being diagnosed in their lifetime.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and one well-known Graaff-Reinet resident shared her experience of the disease to encourage others.
Samantha Graham-Maré, now Deputy Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, and DA Constituency Lea-der for the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, was a councillor in the local municipality from 2011 until her move to parliament in May this year.
She is well-known for her positive contribution to the affairs of Graaff–Reinet and the surrounding towns.
Samantha was first diagnosed with cancer in her left breast during the 2011 local election campaign, finishing treatment just 10 days before the elections.
Through all of this she remained positive and focused on her campaign.
After seven healthy years, the cancer was back.
In June last year, Samantha discovered a lump in her right breast.
A mammogram in Port Elizabeth showed a 95% chance that the lump was malignant.
As she had no medical aid, her doctor referred her to Livingstone Hospital.
“As anyone who has ever dealt with a public hospital knows, there are no appointment times,” said Samantha.
“You arrive at the hospital at 07:00 and just queue until it is your turn.”
She was very thankful that she was able to stay at the Graaff–Reinet Cancer Association’s Cancer House in PE the night before so that she could be there on time, and again three weeks later when she went back for results.
Two months later, Samantha had a bilateral mastectomy at Livingstone Hospital, and returned home to Graaff-Reinet the next day.
“After my surgery, members of the Cancer Association visited me,” she said.
“They brought me flowers; they brought us food and even ‘Knitted Knockers’ to wear once my wounds healed, and a beanie to keep my head warm after my hair started to fall out.”
She underwent chemotherapy for three months, followed by radiation treatment in East London. Financial assistance towards travelling expenses was supplied by the Cancer Association, for which she was extremely grateful.
Samantha was also full of praise for the support she received from Camdeboo Hospice.
Sister Loretta Wiehahn visited weekly, looking after the wounds and assisting Samantha with dressing changes. Wiehann also checked on her mental and spiritual well-being and was always available for support.
“A bilateral mastectomy is a massive operation and the healing process is still ongoing,” Samantha explained.
“There are also psychological elements attached to both the surgery and the treatment and I was very blessed to get such amazing support from everyone.”
She concluded by encouraging all women to be vigilant. “Know what feels normal and address anything suspicious immediately. Rather err on the side of caution,” she said.
