Cancer has remained a dominant terminal disease in the world. Anyone who hears the word, cancer, dreads it. Most individuals in the world still see cancer as a death sentence despite advancements in technology in treating the disease. According to medical news today, cancer is described as a disease that results when cellular changes cause the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. In essence, the cells are supposed to grow and die for new cells to form again. In a situation when cells grow and don’t die and grow uncontrollably, it becomes a problem.

There are several types of cancer including brain, mouth, breast, cervical, lung cancer amongst others. The leading cause of cancer in women all over the world, especially in black women, is breast cancer. Breast cancer is majorly aggressive in black women. In recent studies and observations, more African women are being diagnosed with the dreaded disease. Africa being a third world country with a high increase in poverty and an ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor has the most breast cancer patients globally. African women diagnosed with breast cancer sell their belongings and also borrow to get treated.

Most African women don’t have access to health insurance and the few who have this access do not get fully covered during treatment by the insurance companies. When an African woman successfully goes through the harsh treatment of breast cancer, she is faced with the financial burden of reintegrating back into society; most times, families and friends turn their backs on providing her with the necessary support after treatment. For instance, a young and well-educated lady like me, who defeated breast cancer twice, started from scratch with barely little or no support from friends and families who were there during treatment. One is expected to magically bounce back to normal life. Hence, I was faced with the mental stress of reintegrating back into society.

According to Lazarus and Folkman (1984), mental stress is a type of stress caused by how an event in one’s external or internal environment is interpreted, resulting in psychological distress and anxiety. In other words, an experience, whether internal or external, can influence an individual’s behavior and psyche. Despite the stigma, side effects, and suffering that African women face, they continue to experience financial and mental stress. There has been a breast cancer awareness campaign among African women, however most organizations, including some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), remain mute on life following treatment. That is why so many breast cancer survivors experience depression following therapy. African women are perceived as being reticent about their concerns; hence,  the slogan “e go better” is the anthem for survival.

This article advocates for a shift in the goals and objectives of stakeholders in breast cancer survivorship in Africa to prioritize how African women can regain their footing and move forward from the disease. African women who have survived breast cancer should be empowered with skills and financial support to help them reintegrate into society. The government should launch programs to ease the women’s poverty. Philanthropists should not just help the sick, but also those who have recovered from terminal diseases. Above all, relatives and friends should continue to support these ladies following cancer treatment.

In conclusion, African women have increased mental stress after breast cancer therapy, which can lead to a breakdown and, ultimately, a heart attack or suicide attempt. If all stakeholders, including the media, who have a part in raising breast cancer awareness in Africa prioritize strategies to empower these women following treatment, more women will come forward to give hope to others still in treatment.

Breast cancer is not won by an individual; it is won by a community.