The pain was unbearable

For most people, a cancer diagnosis feels like the end of the world. They believe they are staring death in the face, with no hope of changing the situation. It was no different for Anabela, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shared her story of battling the disease:

"One of my breasts started changing colour, turning black and becoming larger and painful. My son was only six months old at the time, and I had to stop breastfeeding. That’s when I suspected something was wrong. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was so advanced that I had to undergo surgery immediately. I thought I was dying. The pain was unbearable and I felt hopeless. I even wrote a letter to my mother asking her to look after my son in case I passed away.

After the operation, I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. When I was discharged, I was given medication and instructed to go for regular checkups.

During that time, I spoke to a pastor’s wife and received counselling because what I had been through was traumatic. She assured me that it wasn’t the end of the world and gave me advice on staying healthy and going for regular screenings. Her support gave me the strength and courage to keep fighting for my health. After two years of regular checkups, I was declared cancer-free and I have now been healed for 26 years.

To everyone diagnosed with cancer: it’s not the end of the world. Follow the doctor’s orders, and use your faith to fight for your complete healing. It’s important to go for regular screenings because early detection makes all the difference," said Anabela.