Three breast cancer survivors, an epitome of courage – Bernn Abellana, Terefi Tarivera and Zarina G Mohammed – shared their personal stories and fight against cancer recently at an event organised as part of the breast cancer awareness campaign to coincide with pink October. 
October is considered as the breast cancer awareness month worldwide and aims to spread knowledge on how to beat one of the most common causes of cancer in women. The month also focuses on how to encourage and empower patients, families and the community to conquer cancer through knowledge, emotional, social, spiritual and holistic support.
The most significant point, highlighted by the three breast cancer survivors was the need for inner strength and positivity in the face of a life-threatening ailment. Their inspiring journeys prove that there is still so much to learn and achieve and that there is indeed life after cancer and it can be a remarkable one.
The event was attended by the food chain’s management, cancer activists, media and medical professionals. The speakers gave an insight about early detection of breast cancer and encouraged women to regularly do breast self-examination for early detection of the disease.
Talking to Community, Terefi, a 50-year-old survivor, said, “I got diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 43. My family has a history with the disease. After the diagnosis, I thought I would live only for two years or so. Some women of my family died of cancer. I had malignant cancer.”
The Filipino expatriate further added, “I was lucky to get the best treatment in Qatar. To accept your situation, you have to be strong: mentally, emotionally, and physically. You have to be strong enough to face off the cancer. As we grow, we need to have regular screening for early detection. Women need not to be afraid of screening. It helps a lot. Early detection really cures. I was diagnosed early and got rid of it early. The chance of survival is very high in case of early detection. Further, awareness is key, and we need to have more and more awareness campaigns.”
Zarina, half Portuguese and half South African, is another survivor. She said, “I got diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. My youngest child was just nine months old. My middle one was just over two and the eldest was just over four year old. Just like any other mother, I was broken. I thought only about my children. It took me a while to calm down and I realise that at the end of the day my Creator has His own plans. My strong faith helped me overcome the situation. I stopped worrying about what is going to happen to me and my children. I got real support from my office colleagues and my family in this battle. I moved to Qatar 16 years ago. The cancer was diagnosed again in 2005. It was easier the second time because of the advanced screening and treatment procedures.”
Sharing her advice for other women, Zarina said, “I think it all starts with your mental well-being. Loving yourself is the most important thing. When you accept who you are what you are going through and embrace it gracefully, everything else seems to come with ease. You need to stay positive. Look for positive things in your life, surround yourself with positive people and positive energy.”
During the awareness session, Dr Annalyn Tungcul Santos, General Physician, highlighted that cancer prevention is possible through early detection and treatment as well as palliative care to mitigate the suffering of patients and their families. And there are organisations that aid and support the cancer patients and their families. Breast cancer is a curable disease when detected, treated, and managed early. It is vital to empower women and provide them with accurate and relevant cancer-related information so they can take an active role in their healthcare.
Speaking on the occasion, Ghada Kamal, Marketing Manager of McDonald’s Qatar, said “We are delighted to take part in this nationwide commitment to help educate women and their families with the importance of early detection to beat breast cancer. This event is a unique opportunity to underline an important issue that everyone should be concerned about.”
Margarita Zuniga, Behavioural Change Campaign activist, said, “My message to all is that you matter and the people you love matter. I encourage women and men to take control of their health. Get to know your body to notice any changes. Make healthy lifestyle choices by exercising weekly and eating nutritious foods.”
The event was organised by McDonald’s Qatar.
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