South Africa: SA's Cancer Story - From the Intensity of the Rugby Field to a Golden Arrow Bus Ride Home On Which One Does Not Cry
[spotlight] Two women, two breast cancer journeys. In the first article of a new Daily Maverick and Spotlight special series on cancer in South Africa, Biénne Huisman speaks with rugby referee Aimee Barrett-Theron and cancer warrior Joyce Witbooi, who helps women navigate Cape Town's public health system.
Two South African women recount their breast cancer journeys in a new investigative series by Daily Maverick and Spotlight. Rugby referee Aimee Barrett-Theron, diagnosed just days before her 39th birthday, initially felt relieved to receive a prompt diagnosis, though the news was far from welcome. At stage two, Barrett-Theron's treatment plan is aggressive, with chemotherapy sessions lasting six hours every three weeks.
Despite the side effects, she remains intent on returning to the rugby field. Barrett-Theron, who is also a biokineticist, credits a surge of public support for her resilience. Meanwhile, Joyce Witbooi, a cancer warrior, assists women in navigating South Africa's public health system. Globally, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women, with over 13,000 new cases reported annually in South Africa, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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