Renee Singh, a breast cancer survivor and global advocate for the fight against cancer, shared her experience. After being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer nearly nine years after the initial detection, she notes that activism, family, and a sense of purpose help her overcome treatment and uncertainty.
Singh, who is 46 years old and originally from West Rand, recounted how her life paused in 2017 when she was diagnosed with cancer. She recalls: 'It was scary, there was disbelief, and so many unresolved questions. I heard this news again this year, almost nine years later. They told me I had Luminal B metastatic breast cancer and Stage IV bone cancer, and I remember thinking: 'How can I be here again after everything I've already been through?' '
Singh discovered resilience within herself. She realized that because she had previously fought cancer, she knew how to fight. The first days and weeks were a mix of fear, anger, sadness, and trying to understand what was happening. It was especially difficult because she had spent years advocating for the rights of cancer patients, and suddenly she herself became a patient.
She had to learn to assert her interests with the same determination she always used to defend others. She realized that her journey with cancer could give even more meaning to her activism. She can still speak, educate, raise awareness, and ensure that patients are heard. She understood that cancer is something she lives with, but it doesn't have to strip her of her purpose.
When asked about the most challenging aspects of living with cancer, she replied that it is the struggle with the physical and emotional uncertainty of metastatic cancer while continuing her beloved work. However, she emphasized that treatment can be exhausting, and there is also financial pressure related to receiving care without medical insurance.
'I keep moving forward because I know there are patients who are still waiting to be heard, informed, and supported. But I have also learned that I need to fill that gap myself,' she said. The cancer survivor, who is also a member of Union For International Cancer Control, believes that cancer helped her appreciate the little things.
'I enjoy quiet moments, prayer, reflection, family, people who genuinely care, and continuing my advocacy work helped me get through tough days. I celebrate small victories. The ability to laugh, travel, have meaningful conversations,' Singh added.
She also noted that cancer completely changed her relationship with her body. After the first diagnosis, she had to adapt to surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and subsequent physical changes. With metastatic cancer, she listens to her body differently; she does not ignore symptoms but asks questions and asserts her rights.
Her main support has been her purpose. Her activism, passion for fighting cancer, and commitment to Warriors With A Purpose gave her something to hold onto during the toughest moments. For years, she defended other patients, and now she has to defend herself. Her family, loved ones, and supporters are her backbone.
She explained that the concept of survival looks different to her because she is currently living with Stage IV metastatic cancer. For her, it means living with purpose while managing treatment and uncertainty. It is creating memories, continuing activism, and using her life experience to improve the fight against cancer for others. 'I don't want cancer to become my entire identity. I am still a mother, an activist, a leader, and a woman with dreams. I live with cancer, but I also live my life,' she continued.
Singh advised patients diagnosed with cancer to simply breathe. She said: 'You do not need to define your entire future on the day you receive a diagnosis. Ask questions, get information, bring someone you trust to appointments, and do not be afraid to seek a second opinion. Most importantly—assert your rights. Your life may look different after a diagnosis, but that doesn't mean your life is over.'
In another part of the article, a breast cancer specialist urges women to report any changes in their breasts promptly. She also highlights the emotional and financial difficulties associated with living with this disease. The country registers over 13,000 new cases of breast cancer among women annually, accounting for about 25.1% of all diagnosed female cancer cases. This underscores the constant need for early detection and increased awareness.
A representative from the National Department of Health, Foster Mohale, confirmed these statistics during Cancer Awareness Month, which runs from October 1st to 30th. The campaign calls on South Africans to prioritize cancer screening, recognize warning signs, and seek medical attention early.
Dr. Karin Kabanga, a breast cancer specialist from RK Khan and Albert Luthuli hospitals, stated that many women are still unaware of breast cancer. She noted: 'Most women in our country do not know about breast cancer, and many postpone visiting public health facilities for screenings.'
Speaking about new advancements in screening technology, Kabanga revealed that they focus on higher-resolution imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and non-invasive methods that improve early detection, especially in women with dense breast tissue. She explained that mammography is a common first step in detecting breast cancer, but it is not the only diagnostic tool used by doctors, and new technologies are on the horizon. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, 3D mammography, and liquid biopsy promise to change breast cancer diagnosis and may contribute to life-saving processes.
She explained that the role of AI in breast cancer diagnosis expands the scope of second opinions beyond human capabilities. Machine learning algorithms can process vast amounts of data to identify patterns invisible to the naked eye. Thus, they can analyze information from mammograms, ultrasounds, and other tests, providing more detailed information that allows radiologists to better detect abnormalities on breast cancer scans. AI can also play a role in analyzing biopsies, providing a tool for more comprehensive detection of molecular biomarkers in pathological samples. This information can lead to improved breast cancer treatment plans and more targeted therapy.
She reported that MRI is also used for breast cancer screening and is more specific in detecting cancer. 'As far as I know, we have three MRI machines in KwaZulu-Natal. There is not enough government funding to purchase more MRI machines,' Kabanga said. She strongly recommended that women start with self-examination before visiting medical facilities. 'Women should know how their breasts feel. Do not ignore breast lumps because they can be painless. If it is painless and has never been in your breast, visit a clinic or hospital as soon as possible.'
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