Nono Zwane, Cancer Survivor & Mrs. SA Semi-Finalist 2024, Takes on The Absa RUN YOUR CITY series.

CANSA Active is thrilled to announce that Nono Zwane, a courageous cancer survivor and Mrs. South Africa Semi-Finalist 2024, will be participating in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Tshwane 10KM and Joburg 10KM events. Nono is running to raise awareness of cancer and to raise funds for CANSA. This is her story:

“Being diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer was the most devastating news I ever received. I was filled with confusion and overwhelmed by what could happen or what was about to be my life. I never thought it  could happen to me let alone to someone close to me. I first felt a lump in my breast and thought to myself that it’s just a weird thing that I have and then went for a mammogram, which came back clear. There was no sign of anything.  A little while after that appointment, I felt what I thought was a boil under my arm and didn’t pay any attention to it. I started feeling a little pain on that “boil” and the lump on the breast. I called the radiography department, where I did my mammogram,  because I was starting to get worried and they told me that I should go to my GP to examine me and, if there is something, the GP will refer me to them to do a sonar.

I went to see my GP soon after, and he said he thinks it’s just normal breast tissue but he will refer me to do a sonar just to rule out anything that could be wrong. I kept insisting that something is wrong. A week later, I went for a sonar and the doctor couldn’t detect anything on my breast. He checked under arm where he found a big lymph node which raised his eyebrows and he suggested that we do a biopsy. Three days later, I had a biopsy and had to wait a week for my for my results. I was told to go in at the doctor’s offices to get my results and when I got there, the doctor requested to do the sonar again because the mammogram did not reveal the tumor. The doctor was puzzled because even with the sonar, it was difficult to locate the tumor. She told me that the results were back and that I have cancer. From there on I didn’t hear anything else that the doctor said to me. Tears were just rolling down my face as she was comforting me and holding my hand.

I was referred to the Oncologist, who then referred me to do some more tests. At that point I knew nothing about cancer, the type I had, or which stage. I was overwhelmed with fear because when you hear cancer, death just comes to mind. I was so blessed because I was already on a spiritual journey which allowed me to process and understand what was happening to me. I did so much research on the condition and ended up with too much information that overwhelmed me more and led to me being anxious and scared. I went to see a surgeon to put a port in to enable easy treatment. When I got there, he assured me that everything will be ok and I believed him. From that day I made a decision that the only person I’m going to listen to regarding the sickness is my doctor. Cancer does not choose a person and doesn’t say when it’s in the body. It creeps up on you when you least expected. We need to be alert of any changes in our body, listen to our instincts, go for screenings and all other checks because the earlier its detected, the better. Cancer is a disease that is not bound to any specific kind of person. It can happen to anyone.

I did 16 rounds of chemo, did a partial surgery (Segmentectomy) to remove only the affected area and then did 30 rounds of radiation. I’m cancer free now! I actively live my life and spread awareness and educate the community whenever I can because I know early detection can save a life.

Ke nna Nono Zwane and I am a #CancerWarrior… The journey continues…”

CANSA offers a lifeline to cancer patients and their families by providing essential services such as emotional support to practical assistance. By supporting Nono and CANSA Active, you are helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Donate online and support the Absa RUN YOUR CITY series.