Diagnosed with cancer in her 20s – one woman’s story

Innocentia Mahlangu first suspected that she had breast cancer in 2014. The 24-year old mother found three lumps on her left breast and decided to go for checkup. That is when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It was very hard for me and I cried a lot. I was so depressed and very emotional to a point where I thought I would die. I even told myself it’s time for me to die.”

She is not yet cancer-free as she is on the tamoxifen pill, which she started taking in February this year.

“I didn’t have a stable support system, but my sister Promise, Sis’Musa and my grandmother Florence Shabangu stood by me through my tough time.

To other cancer patients out there: listen to your doctors and take the treatment properly. Especially women – always check your breasts and if you suspect anything unusual consult with a doctor immediately.”