Shaleshni Singh was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2019 and had her breast removed in the same year.

The 38-year-old said she was heartbroken to find out that she had breast cancer but she did not lose hope.

She believed in miracles and hoped that she will be able to fight this battle.

Ms Singh found out about this after she had noticed a lump on her right side breast.

“I knew that it was not normal. I later took a Biopsy test and had a confirmation report that it was breast cancer,” she said.

“When I was given the news, I was in shock.

“There were just too many thoughts in my head and I could not stop the tears running down my cheek.”

She said she did not have the strength to go through the treatment, but she was blessed to have the support from her family and friends, who had encouraged her to go through the treatment.

“I also overcame my fears through my faith in God and just writing bible scriptures on the walls of my room gave me strength,” Ms Singh said.

“Be strong Pinky because life doesn’t end here”- these were the words of encouragement from my friends and family members during my experience.

“After the treatment, I stayed home for at least two months and did a lot of resting.

“This allowed me to focus on my health and my quiet time.

“I am the type of person who thought about the future but now with what had happened, I have changed my mentality and just counting everyday as a blessing.”

She adviced women to go for a checkup if they feel that their breasts doesn’t look normal.

“If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, know that you are not alone and that life is precious,” she said.

“Please continue to know what is normal for your body and reach out to the Fiji Cancer Society for assistance.”

She also thanked the Fiji Cancer Society for their support during her difficult time.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control.

There are different kinds of breast cancer.

The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

The goal is to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds to help support life-saving research and life-changing support.

Every year in October, countries all around the world celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, called “Pinktober.”

There are many campaigns held by women’s health charities and community organisations that shed light on the prevailing issue.

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