“The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”

– Elizabeth Kübler-Ross (Swiss-American psychiatrist)

That may be said of the many breast cancer survivors, whose courage and fortitude are evident in their survival tales. They not only exhibit incredible bravery and tenacity but also serve as an example for others going through similar struggles. Their stories serve as a reminder of the strength of hope and the value of helping one another out during trying times.

Women are more likely than men to develop breast cancer, especially those who are over 40. It is well recognised that it has negative emotional and psychological effects.

In Africa, there’s still some amount of stigma attached to the disease. This stigma often leads to delays in seeking medical help and support, as well as a lack of open conversation about breast cancer. Not to mention how it aggravates the emotional toll women experience when they receive a breast cancer diagnosis.

Despite being a terminal illness, many women, like Joycelyn Yao Kumah, a critical care nurse who was first diagnosed in 2019, have made full recoveries. Her story is one that exemplifies exceptional bravery and perseverance.

Joycelyn’s journey with the disease began four years ago when she noticed a small lump in her breast. “By some chance, I just touched my right breast and felt a lump. The lump was like the size of a groundnut” she recounted. After telling her husband about what she had noticed, he advised her to check it out at the hospital.

The American Cancer Society pegs the survival rate for early-detected cases in 5 years at 99%. Early detection of cancer is crucial because it allows for timely intervention and increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Additionally, early detection can help prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, improving the overall prognosis and quality of life for patients.

Some of the risk factors include being over the age of 40, obesity, alcohol abuse, history of radiation exposure, family history of breast cancer,the age of first period and the age of first pregnancy,number of pregnancies, tobacco use(hookah, cigarette,cigar,vape), and postmenopausal hormone therapy.

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Before conducting the tests and scans, Joycelyn spoke to some of her coworkers at the hospital, who told her not to worry. But despite daily checks for a week, the lump remained. Understandably, the presence of a lump in the breast does not always indicate the presence of breast cancer. Many breast lumps are benign that can be caused by hormonal changes, cysts, or fibroadenomas. So you should consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and further evaluation to rule out any potential risks or concerns. There are many other signs and symptoms that can prompt one to get tested for the disease, including breast swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, unusual nipple discharge that is not breast milk, etc.

Joycelyn’s anxiety began to grow as she wondered why the lump hadn’t shown any signs of improvement. She decided to consult a specialist to gain further insight into her condition and received a positive diagnosis confirming her lump was cancer of the breast. Her initial reaction was one of disbelief as she froze, thinking about how her life was about to change. She had never expected such a turn of events, and her mind raced with fear.

The largest breast charity in the U.K, Breast Cancer Now reports that breast cancer patients experience intense emotions of fear, sadness, and anxiety about their future upon receiving their diagnosis. But the relief and sense of reassurance that come with understanding their treatment plans can provide a much needed sense of control and hope.

There are various treatments for breast cancer, depending on how far the disease has progressed.

Treatment and Some Effects of Breast Cancer

Some common treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological and hormone therapy. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumour, and the patient’s overall health. In advanced cases, targeted therapies and immunotherapy may also be used to specifically target cancer cells or boost the immune system’s response against cancer.

The disease is said to put couples to the test as both parties feel the emotional stress, increased dependency and responsibility.

Soon after starting her treatment, Joycelyn began to look unattractive to her husband, who assumed she had allowed herself to gain weight when in reality this was as a reaction to the steroids and radiation from her treatments. He later learned that her appearance changes were not due to intentional weight gain but rather the side effects of her treatment. Understanding the toll it was taking on her body, he made sure to provide emotional support and help her with everyday tasks to ease her burden.

Breast cancer has a significant impact on a woman’s body image and this results in low self-esteem, less desire for sexual activity (low libido) and even depression for patients.

It is important for women to seek support and counselling to address these emotional and psychological impacts.

By seeking support and counselling, women can gain tools and strategies to cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of breast cancer. This can help them rebuild their self-esteem, improve their sexual well-being, and manage any feelings of depression that may arise.

The breast cancer survival story of Joycelyn highlights how one’s chances of surviving the deadly illness can increase with early detection. It also demonstrates how having a solid support network may have a significant impact on a person’s path through treatment and recovery. She benefited immensely from her husband who supported her throughout her journey despite the fact that he didn’t understand the disease’s full scope. Joycelyn encourages breast cancer patients to keep a positive outlook and follow their doctor’s recommendations to improve their chances of recovery.