AS we move into the month of October, hundreds of women will be out and about in pink to promote breast cancer awareness, commonly known as Pinktober.
Among the many stories that will be told this season, few resonate as powerfully as that of Anna DeMorias, a four-time cancer survivor whose journey exemplifies courage, resilience, and hope.
Continuing to be a light for others, Anna emphasises that women should not wait; do whatever it takes to save their lives, and understand that cancer does not have to change who you are as a person. Neither does it define you.

LIFE BEFORE AND AFTER CANCER
Before her initial diagnosis, Anna embodied what society would consider the picture of health. A devoted mother, wife, and working woman, she maintained an active lifestyle that included regular ‘gym’ sessions—further reinforcing the fact that anyone can develop cancer. However, one ordinary day would alter the course of her life when she discovered a lump in her breast.

Despite her typically brave nature, Anna hesitated before seeking medical attention, a decision she now reflects on as life-changing. “I was living a normal life, day-to- day, working, taking care of my kids and everything. I was just going to the ‘gym’ one morning, like I always did, and when I came back, I felt a lump by my right side. I got scared, but I didn’t go to the hospital right away. It was months later, in 2008, that I finally decided to get it checked, and the biopsy came back positive for cancer,” she said. The diagnosis revealed Stage Three cancer.

The decision to have her right breast removed was a difficult one, but Anna made the bold choice to save her life. “I wasn’t crying or nothing when they told me I had cancer. I told my family, and everybody was there for me. You know, I had to have surgery, and then later, I had nine months of chemotherapy,” she explained. But that was just the beginning of a long and difficult battle with cancer, as it would later appear in her lungs and left breast.

When initially given a grim prognosis, Anna refused to accept defeat, and sought out other avenues. “I didn’t give up, though. I went to the Cancer Institute, and they told me it was 50-50. But I had faith, and I said, ‘It’s in God’s hands now.’ I started chemotherapy again at ‘Mercy’, and then at the ‘Public Hospital’. Nine months of ‘chemo’, and I made it through.” However, her battle was far from over. “But then, in 2015, I felt another pain in my breast. I went straight to the hospital, and they did another biopsy. It came back positive again; Cancer! I didn’t wait this time,” she shared.

IMPACT ON FEMININITY
Anna ultimately underwent what most women would consider a nightmare: A bilateral breast removal. Reflecting on this part of her journey, Anna shared that in the same way cancer does not define who she is, neither does her body. She emphasised that many women hesitate about having similar surgery, because they consider partners and relationships, but Anna urges them to do what is necessary for them to keep living.

“A lot of women are scared to take off their breasts; they think it makes them less of a woman, or they worry about what their partner will think. But let me tell you something—whether you have breasts or not, if a man is going to leave, he’s going to leave. That’s my policy. It doesn’t make you less of a woman. You have to do what you have to do to live,” She said.

A CONTINUING BATTLE
Most recently, in her rollercoaster journey since 2008, Anna was diagnosed with cancer yet again; this time vaginal. Speaking openly to the Pepperpot Magazine, she stated, “After all that, in 2018, I woke up one night, and I saw blood. I was scared, so I called my oncologist. She was in Brazil at the time, but she arranged for me to see a doctor here. They did a biopsy, and it came back positive again. I had to do 26 sessions of radiation, but the radiation damaged me badly. I’m still suffering from it. But through it all, I kept my faith, and I’m still here.”

A BEACON OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION
Anna is an inspiration to men and women going through more than just cancer; she continues to show up at events to share her story and motivate others. Her advice to women has been consistent and clear: Do not hesitate and consider their well-being above the possibilities of relationships. “I tell every woman I meet, if you feel something, don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Go get it checked right away.” Throughout her journey, support has been Anna’s biggest weapon in her fight against cancer. She credits her survival to the unwavering backing of her loved ones, medical team, and NGOs like the Giving Hope Foundation and the Periwinkle Club. “Support is everything. My family, my friends, my doctors—they all stood by me. I know many people who didn’t have support, and they didn’t make it. My advice to women is this: Have faith, be strong in God, and surround yourself with people who will stand by you through everything,” she shared.

As Pinktober continues to raise awareness about breast cancer, Anna DeMorias stands as a testament to the power of early detection, resilience, and the importance of a strong support system. Her story reminds us that while cancer may affect our bodies, it need not define our spirit or determination to survive. Through her courage and openness, she continues to light the way for others facing similar battles, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and strength can prevail.