Gerda, South Africa
United by Unique: My Personal Cancer Journey
For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to working with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). My journey began as a social worker, and for the past 15 years, I have been part of the senior management team. Every day, I used the word cancer—in conversations, reports, and countless documents. On average, I said or read that word at least ten times a day. Over three decades, that adds up to nearly 100,000 times. Cancer became a part of my work, my routine, my vocabulary.
Until one day, it became my reality. It turned my life upside down.
It started with a phone call from the surgeon’s office. My "innocent" tumor—something I had not given much thought to—wasn’t so innocent after all. The results are in. The doctor needs to see me.
At that moment, I was working on a document, my laptop screen filled with words I had read a thousand times before. But suddenly, the words swam before my eyes. My mind raced. And then, as if someone else was speaking, I heard myself say:
"I have cancer."
A word I had used so often, a word I had explained to others with professional calm, now felt like a red flag waving in my face. It was no longer just a part of my job—it was a part of me.
After seeing the surgeon and the oncologist, I slowly began to breathe again. They caught it early. Grade 1. Stage 1. I was one of the fortunate ones. I knew all too well how different this outcome could have been.
Today, I still work for CANSA. I still use the word cancer every single day. But now, it carries a deeper meaning. My experience has given me an even stronger voice—a more personal urgency to my message:
Listen to your body. Go for screenings. Early detection saves lives. And most importantly, know that there is life—good, meaningful life—after a cancer diagnosis.
This year’s World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, reminds us that each cancer journey is different, yet we stand together in the fight. I share my story in the hope that it inspires just one person to take action. Because that action could be the difference between life and loss.
You are not alone. And there is always hope.