Sunday September 1, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — In September 2020, Haboon Mohamed Ahmed received devastating news: she had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. The discovery came just five months after she had stopped breastfeeding her youngest daughter. The diagnosis shocked her, as there was no family history of the disease.
Despite her shock, Haboon, a mother of young children, took immediate action. Living in London then, she had always been proactive about her health, regularly visiting doctors and conducting self-examinations. However, the persistence of milk production in her right breast after weaning her daughter led her to suspect something was wrong. “I noticed a small lump in my breast and immediately became suspicious,” Haboon recalled in a BBC interview.
Doctors confirmed her fears: she had stage two breast cancer. The news was terrifying, especially as her doctors warned that her condition could quickly progress to stage four. Haboon was prescribed an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, set to be administered every three weeks over eight sessions.
To her surprise and relief, the cancer responded dramatically to the treatment. After just one round of chemotherapy, Haboon received the joyful news that the cancer had been entirely eradicated from her body.
Now, two years after her diagnosis, Haboon is cancer-free. In a recent visit to the BBC, she reflected on her journey. “There’s a significant difference between my condition two years ago and now. Back then, I was still in the middle of the fight, but today, alhamdulillah, I am officially cancer-free,” she said.
Haboon’s life has changed drastically since her recovery. She has adopted a healthier lifestyle, prioritizing balanced meals, regular exercise, and adequate sleep—habits she did not follow before her diagnosis. “Before cancer, I was just a normal person who ate whatever I wanted and slept whenever I liked without any exercise. But now, I go to bed after the Isha prayer, my diet is balanced, and I am committed to regular exercise,” she explained.
Despite her recovery, Haboon continues to face challenges, particularly when it comes to raising awareness about cancer. After moving to Nairobi, she resumed her awareness efforts, but not everyone welcomed her message. “Some people responded negatively, telling me that if I had already recovered, I should remain silent. They don’t realize that early detection is crucial to preventing serious harm,” Haboon noted.
Medical professionals, including Dr. Asha Omar Kablow, stress the importance of early detection. “Early detection of cancer can lead to recovery, but many women face barriers that prevent them from seeking timely care,” Dr. Asha said. She also highlighted the difficulties some women encounter with private healthcare providers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2022, 2.3 million people worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 670,000 of them died from the disease. Breast cancer is a global issue, affecting women of all ages after puberty, and even men are not immune.
Today, Haboon remains vigilant, committed to maintaining her health and encouraging other women to stay proactive about their well-being. Her story is a testament to the importance of early detection, proper medical care, and the resilience required to overcome such a life-altering diagnosis.