Cancer survivor urges support for essential resources for fellow survivors

By Mishael Henry

As breast Cancer awareness month looms in once again, many people around the world and in Guyana are taking significant strides to educate others on the complexities of cancer.
However, this year, efforts have been taken up a notch, with cancer survivors who have experienced the unrelenting hands of the disease stepping forward and calling for the provision of key items that breast cancer patients and survivors would need such as silicone breasts.
One of these individuals is two-time cancer survivor, who battled cancer for some 13-years – Hazel Chase.
Chase was a keynote speaker during the recent Pinktober launch by One Communications.
According to Chase, the current prices of silicone breasts are quite high and thus, entities should take the initiative to make this easily available for women who have undergone the strenuous experience of cancer.

“One of the things I really want to see is for one of our supporters to start bringing these items in for us. I was fortunate; my sisters send them from England, but my daughter orders one bra for me online, and it costs around fourteen thousand dollars when it arrives here. This is very expensive. If we could have one of our good supporters come on board and open up a special bra shop where we can find bras, I would be grateful,” she pleaded.
Not only did she make her request known, but she also urged people to take these matters seriously and get checked out and remove the misconceptions from their minds.
“One thing I always try to say and emphasise is, for people to seek medical attention. Let’s move away from these old concepts, when everybody has a pain, they say it’s ‘wind.’ You’re not winning; you’re losing, go to the doctor.”
She also mentioned that women must reflect on how often they go to salons and make time for all sorts of recreational activities, just as they should for check-ups.
“We make appointments for shows and the salon, so make appointments for the doctor when you get your vacation, go do check-ups with your doctor. Women over 30 should start doing breast examinations, during Cancer Awareness Month, many places offer these services at half price,” she stated, with assertion swiveling off of her voice.
Fortunately, for Chase she had family members in the medical field that speedily assisted her during her fight against cancer.
“I have sisters in the medical field, and when I explained my symptoms to them, my journey began with a breast examination at the GRPA (Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association), which led to a mammogram. When the mammogram results came back, I was sent for a biopsy. When those results revealed cancer cells, I was devastated, but they made it easier for me.”
When asked where her deep concern for others stems from, she revealed her journey battling cancer.
“I had my surgery and did everything necessary, then went off to England on vacation, thinking I was suffering from arthritis in my hip. Thankfully, my sister, a doctor there, discovered that I had developed cervical cancer due to the hormone tablets I was on. I had to undergo surgery again. Today, I’m thankful to God. Cancer is a life-changing situation; you really have to be strong and have faith in God.”
In fact, she highlighted the importance of having a support system if diagnosed. “Find someone you can trust because going through cancer treatment is not easy. I often felt blank when the doctor spoke, and it was my son’s support that helped me through.”
“Get someone, get a support group, get people you can talk to because it’s a life-changing situation. A lot of people wear pink and participate in fundraising, but many don’t understand the kind of effect cancer has on the body.”
Amidst the requests that have been made, Chase has admitted that there has been recent and significant progress thus far regarding the aid of persons with cancer.
“Now I’m happy to see that there’s more awareness and more time dedicated to these issues. But early detection is crucial. People need to stop saying it’s a ‘wind pain’ because sometimes you’re not going to win; you’re going to lose. In Guyana, we’re not getting the checks we need.”
The number of women who undergo mastectomy due to breast cancer varies by region and year. In the U.S., for example, approximately 30 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer opt for a mastectomy, translating to around 40,000 to 50,000 mastectomies annually. Globally, the figures can differ significantly based on access to healthcare, awareness, and treatment options. For precise statistics in a specific country or region, it’s best to consult local cancer registries or health organisations.