ZOREEN Outar Ali was 44 when a seemingly insignificant lump in her breast quickly became a concern that spiralled into a battle for her survival—one filled with pain, resilience, love, hope, and determination.
Now, at 53, Zoreen is publicly sharing her story as part of One Pinktober’s month of activities to bring awareness to breast cancer disease as statistics from the Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health, revealed that the country has recorded 129 breast cancer cases from January to June 2024, and a total of 235 cases for all of 2023.

According to Zoreen, when she felt the lump at first, she was not alarmed, but then, as she noticed it was growing rapidly, she decided to see a doctor.
As she sat in her living room in Providence, with her daughter close by, Zoreen recounted, “I felt in my heart that something wasn’t right,” and once she got her diagnosis, heavy conversations immediately followed with her loved ones.
At the same time, she still could not believe the diagnosis which she said showed “the lump was cancerous.”

A second opinion in French Guiana brought even more alarming news—her breast cancer was at stage IV (four) and was triple-negative, an aggressive type known for advancing rapidly.
For several months in 2014 and 2015, she battled through a gruelling regimen of chemotherapy which preceded her mastectomy. This procedure marked the loss of her right breast but symbolised a step towards survival. After the surgery, she faced two more rounds of chemotherapy, each session a taxing reminder of the fight she had to endure.

“It was a test of my spirit,” Zoreen said. The months of treatment, the physical toll, and the mental strain could have broken her, but she had the unwavering support from her family and friends.
“I couldn’t have done it alone. My family was my anchor. I am forever grateful to my family for their love and support,” she said.
The cancer survivor added that through her tears and triumphs, she emerged from her ordeal with a new perspective on life.

She said: “After my diagnosis, I started volunteering in several organisations, and I encourage men and women to get screened, even if they are scared. Tell a friend or someone you trust. Don’t try to go through it alone.”
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Zoreen hopes her story will inspire women and men everywhere to fight, to hope, and to believe that they, too, can survive breast cancer.

On October 27, One Communications is hosting its One Pinktober run/walk activity for breast cancer awareness, and is inviting the public to come out to show support for survivors and fighters of breast cancer or other types of cancer.
To support fund-raising efforts to help survivors and fighters of cancer, https://onepinktober.com and to donate, go to www.pinktobergy.masaxcess.com or donate via SMS – Text ‘Donate’ to 620-(PINK) 7465. For more information about One Communications Pinktober 2024, visit pinktoberdonations@onecommgroup.com.