Mariam, Nigeria
My name is Mariam 0luwaseun Salami. My Journey as a Breast Cancer Survivor
In April 2022, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Before then, I was never the type to pay close attention to my body. One day, as my young son played innocently with my breast, I felt a lump. I didn’t think much of it initially, but something urged me to ask my neighbor for her opinion. Her concern was immediate, and it pushed me to visit the hospital that very day.
The journey began with uncertainty. A biopsy was done, but the results came back inconclusive. The doctor suggested removing the lump entirely, but at the time, I didn’t have the financial means to proceed. I felt helpless, lost, and unsure of what to do. A family member then encouraged me to seek a second opinion, and this led to a definitive diagnosis—triple-positive breast cancer.
Hearing those words shook me to my core. I had cancer. The thought of it felt surreal, but I had no choice but to fight. My treatment began with five rounds of chemotherapy. The lump melted, and I naively thought the worst was behind me. But three months later, the cancer returned—this time, fiercer.
With no time to dwell on despair, I switched hospitals yet again, seeking care at a larger, more specialized center. It was there that I underwent another six rounds of targeted chemotherapy. The toll on my body, mind, and spirit was overwhelming. There were moments when the frustration and sadness seemed unbearable. Financially, I was drained. Emotionally, I was on the brink of collapse.
But even in my darkest moments, I saw a glimmer of hope. My family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers stood in the gap for me. They rallied around me with prayers, love, and financial support. These acts of kindness became my strength. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this battle.
I completed 18 cycles of Herceptin, a targeted therapy, and on September 13, 2023, I underwent surgery. By June 2024, I had finished radiotherapy. Just when I thought the storm had passed, a new mass was discovered in my second breast. I now face another ultrasound and remain on a five-year hormone therapy journey.
Through it all, my family and friends have been my pillars of strength. The turning point for me came when I saw how people—some of whom I’d never met—poured out their love and support. Their prayers lifted me, their kindness fueled me, and their generosity restored my hope. I realized I couldn’t let this battle define me. Instead, I decided to give back.
Today, I live each moment with gratitude and resilience. My fight has given me a purpose greater than myself. I’ve started an NGO that creates awareness and educates our youth about cancer. I’ve dedicated my voice to this generation because I want no one to walk this path alone.
My message to anyone reading this is simple: never stay silent about your health challenges. Speak up, ask for help, and lean on those around you. You never know whose hand will reach out to lift you.
Cancer changed my life, but it did not break me. Each day, I choose hope, I choose strength, and I choose to keep fighting—not just for myself but for others who are still on this journey.