Cancer is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of many, and facing it as a teenager can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. Despite the physical and emotional struggles they endure, many teenagers facing cancer show remarkable strength, courage, and resilience. Tshepy Matloga-Malope spoke to three incredible teen cancer survivors
Teenage cancer is a harsh reality that affects many young lives. According to Stats SA, the leading teen cancers diagnosed were those of the kidney, leukaemia, brain and other central nervous system, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bone and connective tissue. In 2019, 498 females below the age 20 were diagnosed with cancer, comprising 1.1% of all female-related cancer.
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Based on the most recent statistics available, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma remain two of the leading cancers among teens (10 to 19 years). This accounts for nearly a quarter of all the cancers affecting teens in South Africa.
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- bone and soft tissue cancers (sarcomas)
- brain tumours
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Leukaemia
Currently, between 800 to a 1 000 SA children are diagnosed with cancer annually. However, it’s estimated that half of the children with cancer in South Africa, are never diagnosed.
These stories below not only reveal the harsh realities of battling cancer as a teenager, but also highlight the power of hope, determination, how important it is to have the nurturance of family and friends.
Fortune’s favour
Fortune’s favour Fortune, a medical and surgery student at Wits University, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 12. He had been ill for a few months, and the doctors had done various tests on him, resulting in him spending much time in other wards before being transferred to the oncology ward for cancer testing.
“When I first heard the word ‘cancer,’ I was terrified,” Fortune recalls. “I felt like my whole world was crumbling around me.” Despite the initial shock, Fortune found solace in the support of his family and hospital staff. “Their love and encouragement gave me the strength to fight back,” he says.
After undergoing months of chemotherapy and countless hospital visits, Fortune is now cancer-free and passionate about raising awareness about teenage cancer. Fortune is CANSA FREE2B ME’s ambassador, an initiative aimed at making a significant impact in the lives of mid-adolescents and young adults (AYA) between the ages of 14 and 25 who are facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis by giving them hope and support.
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Tristan’s triumph
Tristan’s triumph Initially misdiagnosed with TB, Tristan was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 11. Now 14 years of age, he says, “Being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age was surreal. I had to put my dreams on hold and focus on getting through each day.”
Throughout his treatment, which included surgery and aggressive radiation, Tristan leaned on his family for support. “Their unwavering belief in me kept me going even when the odds seemed insurmountable. I just want to say to anyone going through this journey that they are going to be okay,” he says. Although Tristan’s thyroid has been removed, he has not completely recovered.
Tamara thrives
Tamara was just 14 when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, the type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the bones and the soft tissue around the bones. With the support of her family and medical team, she navigated 12 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
“When I was told I had cancer, I was in shock. I thought that only happened to older people, and I didn’t think for one second that that’s what it was.” Through sheer determination and the love of her family, Tamara overcame cancer and is now living her best life. “I’m looking forward to moving on, knowing I don’t have to be known only as “the girl who had cancer.”
Teen spirit
The stories of Fortune, Tristan, and Tamara show the indomitable spirit of teenage cancer survivors. Despite the pain, fear, and uncertainty that come with a cancer diagnosis, these young people exemplify resilience, courage, and hope.
Their journeys are an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, reminding them that they are stronger than they think and never alone in their fight.
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