October is a pivotal month for cancer awareness, with a focus on educating and sensitizing people about early detection of the disease.
Awareness campaigns aim to empower individuals to recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer, ultimately enabling them to seek early treatment.
However, the journey to treatment and battling the effects of cancer can be immensely challenging, particularly when facing financial constraints and when there are delays in diagnosis.
Evalyn Allela, a trained pharmacist, is one of the survivors who embodies the spirit of a true warrior in the fight against cancer. She emerged victorious despite facing all the challenges mentioned.
Furthermore, Alela not only lost two close relatives to the disease but also successfully conquered it herself after a long and arduous battle.
In an interview, Evalyn recounted how she lost her father to liver cancer 23 years ago and her first cousin to breast cancer. She also admitted that following her initial diagnosis, she felt hopeless and saw little chance of survival.
The breast cancer survivor noted that she did not notice any sign of illness until she realised a lump on her breast while taking a shower.
''I wondered how long it had been there because I didn't think it was the previous day or overnight, and there were no signs at all,'' she narrated.
''When the diagnosis was made, my doctors gave me the treatment plan which I went through, but it was very hard, especially the chemo (chemotherapy) part.''
After discovering the lump, she sought medical attention a month later. Doctors then advised her to undergo diagnostic tests, beginning with a mammogram, which raised suspicions of cancer.
She later underwent ultrasound tests and a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of cancer cells in a tissue that was tested.
According to her, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits. However, the early diagnosis gave her a better chance of survival and aided her in avoiding extensive and prolonged treatment.
Evalyn underwent eight chemotherapy sessions while experiencing the effects of the illness, including hair loss. However, her hair began to grow after completing her sessions.
''I have always worried when I have any sort of pain. There is that fear that it could be recurring,'' said Evalyn on having various signs that may signal recurring cancer after treatment.
''I was very fortunate that I had an amazing support system. My family and my friends were very supportive, and I cannot emphasise the importance of having a supportive system when having this sort of experience''
Allela is currently a breast cancer survivor, championing breast cancer awareness by spreading positive messages through social media.
She uses her social media platforms to share awareness messages and encourages the public to help spread the message. Evalyn urges the public to remind girls and women to perform regular breast self-examinations and be vigilant about any signs or abnormalities as part of early diagnosis effects.
