World Cancer Survivors Day

When Desiree Herbert heard the word “cancer”, fear filled the room. When Juniad Malgas received his diagnosis, what had started as a routine check-up suddenly became something far more serious. 

Their journeys were different, but both remember the uncertainty of those first moments. They also remember the people who helped them keep going: the doctors and nurses who guided their care, the families and communities who stood beside them, and the follow-up support that helped them stay on the path to recovery. 

Today, Desiree and Juniad are not only cancer survivors. They are voices of hope. 

Their message to the people of the Western Cape is deeply personal: listen to your body, seek help early, follow the advice of healthcare teams, and do not walk the journey alone.

On World Cancer Survivors Day, 4 June 2026, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness joins the global community in honouring cancer survivors and reaffirming the importance of prevention, screening, early detection, timely treatment, and ongoing support.

Survivor story: Desiree Herbert

Fourteen years ago, Desiree Herbert, now 61, was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer after noticing persistent changes in her health and seeking medical care. The diagnosis brought fear and uncertainty.

“It brought a lot of fear. I asked myself, ‘Lord, will I make it?’” she said. 

Following diagnostic investigations at Tygerberg Hospital, Desiree started six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The treatment was physically and emotionally demanding, but she remained committed to her care and attended her follow-up appointments consistently. 

“I followed the doctor’s advice rigorously, and I ate healthily to build up my immune system against cancer. I also had strong support from my family and church community,” she said.

Seven months after completing treatment, Desiree received the news she had been hoping for. 

“The doctor told me, ‘Go and enjoy your life.’ It was the best news after all the pain and fear,” she said. 

Today, Desiree uses her experience to help others. She has established a community-based cancer support group to provide emotional and practical support to patients undergoing treatment.

Her message to residents is simple: do not wait. Seek medical care when something in your body does not feel right, and make use of routine screening services, including Pap smears.

Survivor story: Juniad Malgas

For 64-year-old Juniad Malgas, a routine medical consultation helped detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage. 

Juniad, a patient at Groote Schuur Hospital, had noticed changes in his urinary health and raised these concerns during a medical consultation. 

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer after what I thought was just a routine check-up,” he said. 

Because the cancer was identified early, treatment could start at a stage where outcomes are more favourable. Juniad continues with regular follow-up care and encourages other men not to delay seeking help. 

“My message to men is simple: do not be afraid, and do not ignore what your body is telling you. Go for your check-ups. The earlier you act, the better your chances,” he said.

Early action, treatment, and follow-up care matter

Cancer remains a significant public health concern, but earlier diagnosis and timely treatment can improve outcomes for many patients.

The experiences of Desiree and Juniad show that early care-seeking, appropriate screening, timely referral, treatment adherence, and follow-up care are all important parts of the cancer care journey. 

They also remind us that cancer care is not only clinical. Patients need information, reassurance, emotional support, and a health system that helps them remain in care.

Cervical cancer: Prevention, screening, and treatment

Dr Henriette Burger, Head of Division: Radiation Oncology at Tygerberg Hospital, said cervical cancer remains a serious diagnosis, but treatment outcomes continue to improve, especially when the disease is identified early.

“Even though it is always best to diagnose cancer in its earliest stages, modern radiotherapy technology enables successful treatment outcomes, even in some advanced cases,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of completing treatment and attending follow-up care, particularly during the first two years after treatment, when the risk of recurrence is highest.

Dr Burger also highlighted cervical cancer prevention strategies, including the role of HPV vaccination and screening programmes. 

“HPV infection can be prevented through immunisation, which is most effective prior to exposure to the virus,” she said. 

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages parents and caregivers to support HPV vaccination, especially for eligible girls, as an important preventative measure against cervical cancer later in life. 

Screening, including Pap smears, remains essential for eligible women, as it can help detect changes early and enable timely treatment.

Prostate cancer: Speak to a healthcare provider early

Dr Santhuri Viranna, Clinical Oncologist at Groote Schuur Hospital, said prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which can contribute to late diagnosis. 

“Men should not wait for urinary symptoms before seeking medical evaluation,” she said. 

She encouraged men over the age of 50, as well as men with a family history of prostate cancer, to speak to a healthcare provider about screening, including PSA testing. 

“When prostate cancer is detected early, treatment outcomes are highly favourable, and lives can be saved,” she said.

When to seek help

Residents are encouraged to seek medical care if they notice persistent or unexplained changes in their health, including:

• unexplained weight loss
• ongoing tiredness or weakness
• unusual lumps or swelling
• persistent or unexplained pain
• changes in bowel or bladder habits
• blood in urine or stool
• a persistent cough or hoarseness
• unusual bleeding
• changes in skin lesions or moles
• any symptom that does not improve or feels concerning

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should not be ignored. Early clinical assessment can help ensure timely diagnosis, referral, and treatment where needed.

Where to access care

Residents experiencing concerning symptoms are encouraged to visit their nearest public healthcare facility, including primary healthcare clinics, community health centres, or hospitals.

Routine screening remains one of the most important tools in detecting certain cancers early. Women are encouraged to attend cervical cancer screening through Pap smear services, and men are encouraged to speak to a healthcare provider about prostate cancer risk and screening, especially from the age of 50, or earlier if there is a family history. 

Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to support HPV vaccination for eligible girls through available school and health services, as this can help prevent HPV-related cervical cancer in later life.

Honouring survivors and supporting early action

On World Cancer Survivors Day, WCDHW recognises the courage and resilience of cancer survivors, as well as the families, healthcare workers, and communities who support them through diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and life after cancer. 

The stories of Desiree and Juniad remind us that early action matters. Listening to your body, seeking help when something feels wrong, attending screening, supporting prevention through vaccination, and staying in care can make a meaningful difference. 

WCDHW remains committed to strengthening cancer prevention, screening, early detection, treatment, and support services so that more residents can access the care they need, when they need it.