When cancer changes more than your body

When cancer strikes, it doesn't just attack the body, it demands a transformation of mind, spirit and even style. For three resilient women, it meant redefining their beauty, rediscovering their strength and finding hope in the darkest moments.

Meet Jennifer Jelimo, 39, a single mother of three who has been battling breast cancer for more than a year.

"Last year, I went for a free screening in my area to find out my health status, even though I had no symptoms. I thought the procedure would take a few minutes, but it didn't, the doctors noticed something was wrong and advised me to stay a little longer so they could do some more tests," says Jelimo.

"They did a biopsy and a few days later the results came back, I had breast cancer. The news shook me to the core, I was too young to have breast cancer. I immediately thought about suicide. I had heard stories about cancer and most of them were fatal, so I assumed my fate was sealed," Jelimo recalls painfully.

Coming from a humble background, Jelimo's cancer journey was no walk in the park. However, she survived and is currently undergoing hormone therapy.

Jelimo has been positive, making sure she gets all the treatments she needs to manage the disease, believing that one day she'll be able to live a healthy life again. Since her diagnosis, however, she has faced many challenges, not the least of which is stigma.

"Stigma, it's a problem that exists in society and that's why a lot of people die of cancer so early nowadays. For me, I prayed and believed every day that people's prejudices wouldn't get me down, and it didn't!" Jelimo says.

Jelimo underwent surgery that took one of her breasts, and it was then, she says, that she began to feel the weight of stigma.

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According to Globocan 2018 statistics, the incidence of breast cancer in Kenya is estimated at 40.3 per 100,000, with a mortality rate of 17.8 per 100,000.

The annual incidence of breast cancer in Kenya is about 12.5 per cent of new cancer cases and the annual mortality is about 7.7 per cent of all cancer deaths.

Dr Catherine Nyongesa, a clinical/radiation oncologist, says breast cancer does not have a single, specific cause, but several factors can contribute to its development.

These include genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), hormonal factors (such as exposure to oestrogen), family history, age and lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but common signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps or swelling, especially in the breast, changes in bowel or bladder habits, skin changes such as moles or sores that don't heal, persistent cough and abnormal bleeding," says Dr Nyongesa.

For many women battling breast cancer, or any other type of cancer, the journey is not just about surviving, but also adapting to profound physical changes.

Chemotherapy often leads to significant weight loss, forcing women to overhaul their wardrobes to accommodate their changing bodies. Clothes that once fit perfectly have to be swapped for looser, more comfortable ones.

In addition, hair loss - a common side effect - leads many women to turn to hats, scarves and other accessories to regain a sense of control over their appearance.

"I had to donate half my clothes, everything about me changed, especially my fashion sense. I wasn't myself and I had to find new ways to cope with the changes to boost my confidence, like experimenting with head wraps. When I had the surgery, one of my hands became large, forcing me to wear larger tops to go with it. My complexion also darkened and I had to cover up with scarves to avoid people asking questions," Jelimo says.

"Stigma still exists among cancer patients, especially in communities where there is little awareness of the disease. Some patients may face misconceptions, such as the belief that cancer is contagious, which can lead to isolation. It's important for communities to support cancer patients with empathy and understanding, and to promote education and awareness about cancer treatment and care," says Dr Nyongesa.

Jelimo lost all her hair immediately after her first chemotherapy session, but a year later it is growing back.

"Hair loss, a common side effect of chemotherapy, occurs because the treatment targets fast-growing cells, including hair follicles. Since hair follicles are among the fastest growing cells in the body, they are affected, leading to hair loss," says Dr Nyongesa.

Cancer patients also often lose weight as a result of the disease and treatment. Cancer can increase the body's metabolism, leading to a loss of appetite. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting and changes in taste, all of which contribute to weight loss.

Grateful for second chance

Jennifer Munai, 49, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and it's been a tough journey, but she's grateful for the second chance.

"Free cancer screening was announced in our village, so I thought, why not? Considering I had no symptoms or pain, you can imagine my shock when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer." Jennifer says.

"I was so stressed that I fell into depression. Most people in the village who were diagnosed with cancer automatically died, and I knew I was next. I didn't tell my family or friends; there's a lot of stigma attached to cancer. The secret was between me and my doctor, who recommended that I start treatment immediately," she adds,

She was told that the cancer was in its early stages and there was nothing to worry about. After three years of check-ups and treatment, with signs of recovery, the cancer came back, this time in the uterus, and she had to start the treatment all over again.

To keep her body strong while coping with the disease, Jennifer was advised to eat lots of fresh fruit, a balanced diet and exercise to keep her body fit and healthy during her treatment.

"Having cancer takes strength, especially if you want to survive the stigma. I lost hair all over my body, at one point I was completely bald, it was hard to walk around, but now it's grown back and I'm proud of my healthy hair. "Jennifer says.

"I have since regained the weight I lost after chemotherapy. Losing weight is normal and it drives many people into depression. It is important to eat a balanced diet in moderation," she says.

Martha Munjira, 58, a mother of four, has also struggled with breast cancer.

"In 2020, I felt a small pimple next to my breast that developed into a lump. It was painless, so I didn't worry about it. But in 2021, the pain was unbearable and I was forced to visit a health facility for a check-up where I was referred to a more advanced health facility," Martha says.

"Since the pain was not persistent, I decided to stay at home for a while and assess the progress, which took another year. However, in 2022, I went for a check-up which confirmed that I had breast cancer," says Martha.

Martha says that although chemotherapy is good, it comes with a lot of problems, ranging from low libido, hair loss, breathing problems and stomach indigestion.

"I also lost all my hair and was bald for six months in 2022 and had to use wigs and caps a lot for protection. Many people thought I had HIV/AIDS and it drove me into depression," says Martha.

Martha also had to change her wardrobe to avoid social stigma. She says her whole body was covered in patches and she had to switch from wearing skirts to trousers.

"At least my close friends, family and caregivers were there for me. We also have a support group of 17 survivors where we encourage each other," says Martha.

"A balanced diet is essential for managing symptoms, maintaining energy and supporting recovery. Local foods are highly recommended, starting with protein-rich foods: Lean meats such as chicken and fish, ndengu, omena, eggs and beans help repair tissue," says Dr Nyongesa.

She adds that fresh fruit and vegetables, and indigenous greens such as sukuma wiki, managu, spinach, terere, carrots and fruits such as bananas, pawpaw and guava are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Regular screening and early detection, especially for breast and cervical cancer, greatly improve treatment outcomes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption can also reduce the risk of cancer.