​Refilwe Rapuleng 
 
Buyisile Magasela's (44) life is testament that you "cancervive" (can survive) beat cancer with the right support and attitude towards treatment. 
After being diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in October 2024, Magasela has ringed the bell to mark the end of her eight cycles of chemotherapy spanning just over seven (7) months. This momentous and joyous yet emotional journey left her with mixed of emotions including hope, relief and excitement for the future.
Magasela had a recurring lump next to her nipple. It would appear and disappear around the time of her menstrual cycle but over time it was growing and no longer going away, and became painful as well. 
This led her to visiting a doctor to get examined on 30 September 2024 where she was immediately given a referral letter to the Breast Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). She went to the clinic on 02 October and was examined by clinicians who expressed concerned about the location of the lump and mentioned that it was a rare case. Magasela was immediately booked for a mammogram and a biopsy. A week later, that is when she confirmed she had Stage 1 breast cancer. 
"My life was drastically changed. I experienced fear, anxiety, panic, frustration, and anger. This did not only affect me, but also my loved ones. It pained me to see the worry in my children and family members' eyes.
"However, it has also helped me put life into perspective. I no longer take life for granted. I value it more now than ever. It affected what I can comfortably do and has impacted my sense of independence," said the now cancer-free Magasela. 
The diagnosis did not only affect her family emotionally and mentally, it affected her financially. She had to completely change her diet taking more money from her pocket, as well as take time off work for treatment and deal with the stress of possibly losing her life. 
The first four cycles of treatment were incredibly intense for Magasela. "I went through many physical changes - losing my hair, scarring on my arms from repeated failed attempts to find veins for the drip, and numerous side effects including fatigue, pain, nausea, restlessness, and insomnia." 
Now that she has completed her treatment, Magasela feels truly blessed to have completed her treatment without being hospitalised or being critically ill as a result of the breast cancer. She caught it early, and this increased her chances of achieving cure. 
CHBAH is among the four (4) centres of excellence for cancer treatment in Gauteng and does not only treat patients from Gauteng but also those from other provinces and neighbouring Southern African Development Community countries. It houses the Soweto Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Zakithi Nkosi Clinical Haematology Centre of Excellence and the Zakithi Nkosi Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Clinic which has helped thousands of children beat cancer and blood disorders. 
In addition, Magasela advised women to stop being silent and seek help, emphasising regular check-ups and self-examinations to detect any abnormalities in their breasts. This will ensure that they are familiar with their breasts and inform their need to take it further with their doctor if there are abnormalities.
"It is possible not only to survive, but to thrive, and to live a healthy, wonderful life again," said the jovial Magasela. 
The Gauteng Department of Health is committed to improving cancer treatment services in the province to meet the growing demand for radiotherapy services. This includes investing in the expansion of infrastructure and investing in advanced equipment to enhance cancer treatment and ensure timely access to care. 
"We are focusing on long-term solutions for oncology services, addressing the immediate needs of cancer patients and creating a foundation for more accessible and sustainable care across the province," said the Chief Operating Officer of the hospital, Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, reacting to the remarkable results of Magasela and many other who have beat cancer after receiving treatment at CHBAH.