As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the story of 45-year-old Sherika Lallie serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing your body and being proactive when something does not feel right.
For years, Sherika stood on the front lines of community health as a dedicated volunteer for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). She spent countless hours educating women on how to recognise the subtle warning signs of breast cancer and adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate their risks. Little did she know that the very lessons she taught to others would save her own life.
In November 2017, Sherika noticed a small lesion on her left breast. Initially, it seemed minor; it healed over, only to reappear a short while later. With her routine annual mammogram scheduled for February 2018, Sherika made a crucial decision right after the festive season. She knew her body, recognised that something was not right and refused to wait.
“As a CANSA volunteer, I always told women never to ignore what their bodies are trying to say,” Sherika reflected. “When that lesion returned, I knew I couldn’t brush it aside. Listening to my intuition was the first step in saving my own life.”
Her mammogram revealed alarming results: multiple small tumours were scattered across her left mammary duct, with the largest measuring just 5 mm. While the abnormalities were initially identified as calcification, an ultrasound-guided biopsy was urgently recommended. Following the advice of her cousin, Sherika consulted a specialist surgeon.
The biopsy results came back swiftly and were daunting: an exceptionally aggressive form of cancer. Luckily, it had been caught in its early stages.
Faced with a life-altering diagnosis, Sherika made the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery.
“Making the choice to have a double mastectomy was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” said Sherika.
“It was emotionally and physically overwhelming, but choosing life and being here for my family was everything. I am profoundly grateful to my husband, Nitesh, who was my ultimate source of strength—holding my hand through every diagnosis, surgery, and step toward recovery.”
The stark reality facing South African women emphasised Sherika’s crucial message. According to the National Cancer Registry (NCR), breast cancer remained the most prevalent cancer among women across the country, with one in every 28 South African women receiving a diagnosis in her lifetime. Further data published by CANSA revealed that breast cancer accounted for more than 23 percent of all female cancer diagnoses nationwide. Health experts and CANSA representatives continually emphasised that regular self-examinations and clinical screenings is vital, as early detection dramatically improved treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Sherika believes that knowing what was normal for your own body is every woman’s best defence. She urges every woman to perform a breast self-examination once a month, ideally a few days after the menstrual cycle ends. This is when breast tissue is the least tender.
“The process begins in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and hands on hips, looking closely for any changes in size, shape or contour, as well as skin dimpling, puckering, redness or nipple inversion, before raising both arms overhead to check for those same visual indicators,” explained Sherika.
“Next, while lying down on your back with a small pillow under the right shoulder and your right hand behind your head, use the flat pads of your middle fingers on your left hand to move in small circular motions around your right breast. Applying light, medium and firm pressure ensures that all tissue is examined, spanning from the collarbone down to the abdomen, and from the armpit across to the breastbone.”
She added that this physical inspection extends directly into the armpit and upper chest area to check for firm knots, thick spots or unusual lumps, with the entire procedure repeated on the left breast using the right hand. Many women also find it helpful to perform a final check in the shower, where soapy skin allows flat fingers to glide smoothly across breast tissue in circular movements.
“If you spot a lump, a returning lesion, nipple discharge, or any unusual texture change, do not panic—but do not wait. Schedule a check-up with a medical professional immediately. Early detection saved my life, and it can save yours too,” Sherika emphasised.
