Lusikisiki born cancer-survivor Ayabonga Ndzumo-Tyelela is using her story to educate and inspire others.
The 27-year-old said she first noticed that she had a tumor growing on the right side of her neck, out of panic she went to seek medication from a pharmacy in December 2016.
She was advised by the pharamacy employee to seek proper diagnosis from health practitioners.
Her battle began in January 2017 when she moved back to Mthatha as she was a third year student at Walter Sisulu University. Out of agony and frustration she went to Mthatha General Hospital as she was already experiencing symptoms such as headaches and backpain.
“I had to lie and say I was bitten by a spider in order to be attended to by health specialist. Upon consultation, I informed the doctor and I was examined then referred to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital for further tests.” she said
Ndzumo-Tyelela said that during the period between January 2017 until March 2017, after numerous tests and extracts of samples from her tumour it was only then, that she was diagnosis with stage 1B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer.
“I was only 22 years old during the time of my diagnosis. I was scared and assumed the worst. I had lost a family relative to cancer around that time.” said Ndzumo-Tyelela
She said accepting that she had cancer was difficult.
In April 2017 she was referred to Frere Provincial Hospital in East London for treatment, which consisted of six cycles of chemotherapy which was 6 months and 17 days of radiotheraphy post-chemotheraphy treatment.
Doctors had to ensured she was in perfect health as she followed a strict diet recommended by a dietician before being given treatment.
She said that the treatment was extremely painful and she received support from family friends to continue the fight in order to beat cancer.
“I lost my hair, friends and family cut their own hair in support of what I was going through. They always accompanied me to each and every treatment date” said Ndzumo-Tyelela
She said after her treatment she continued to go for numerous tests with designated time intervals which have came back and stated that she is cancer free.
Today Ndzumo-Tyelela calls herself a cancer survivor, who beat the odds.
“Cancer is survivorable, individuals should seek proper medical care this helps to be able to get a diagnosis as early as possible in order to begin treatment.” she said
She has saved lives as has been able to give support and instill hope to people who faced with cancer through social media platforms.
October is know to be a cancer awareness month, men and women are encouraged to be self-conscience about their bodies. Cancer Association of South Africa is a leader in the fight against cancer in the country.
According to Cancer Association of South Africa spokesperson Lucy Balona said women are more likely to be diagnosed breast and cervical cancer. Men often find themselves under the top different types of cancer which are prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma and melanoma.
“The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) urges both men and women to go for annual health check-ups and screening to detect cancer early.” said Balona
She said that CANSA’s Head of Advocacy, Zodwa Sithole has presented training to Traditional Health Practitioners nationally which took place from 26 January to 23 March 2022.
It aimed provide education around prevalent cancers, treatment, side effects, and the importance of early detection and quick referral for treatment.
In this way CANSA aimed to close the care gap regarding delays in cancer diagnosis and receiving timeous treatment in communities who depend upon Traditional Health Practitioners for advice who are more likely to be found in rural areas.
