Doctor Survives Breast Cancer, Urges Women to Act Early

“Don’t underestimate the need for self-breast examination—irrespective of other interventions. Take charge of your health. Listen to your doctor and other professionals. If diagnosed with cancer, join a support group, even as a silent listener. You’ll learn things you may never hear in the consultation room. Lean on your friends and family, but shun negative people. And above all, love yourself.”

This is not just advice. It’s lived experience.

Through a statement shared by the Ministry of Health, Dr. Josephine Kibaru Mbae, a seasoned obstetrician/gynecologist and cancer survivor has opened up about her journey with breast cancer. Her message is a call to vigilance, compassion, and courage for fellow women and health workers.

“It all started on 22nd May 2022 when I noticed a small lump on my left breast,” she recalls. At first, she wasn’t alarmed. She had undergone a mammogram the previous November and was scheduled for another later in the year. But instinct pushed her to seek testing the very next day.

Two weeks later, the results came in, she was positive with breast cancer.

“I began chemotherapy in June 2022, followed by surgery in December, then radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and now hormonal therapy for another five years,” she shares. Though the cancer was caught early, her doctors recommended a full treatment plan to ensure no room for recurrence.

The side effects were brutal. The emotional toll even more so.

“I kept asking myself—why me? But also, why not me?” she reflects. Every three weeks, she was admitted for chemotherapy without fail. And yet, she’s grateful. Grateful that her medical training helped her recognize the signs. Grateful that she didn’t ignore the symptoms.

Her message to fellow medics is clear:

“We are not immune to breast or other cancers. Let us take time for annual checkups. When illness arises, take care of yourself—the patients and workloads will always be there. Love yourself and get help. The stigma is real. People ask how we ‘let ourselves get this sick.’ But we must ignore that and soldier on.”

Observed every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global campaign to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by breast cancer. It encourages regular mammograms, self-exams, and timely medical consultation—and celebrates survivors like Dr. Josephine.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. In 2022 alone, 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and 670,000 died from the disease.

While the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90% in high-income countries, it drops to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa.

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