Taking on the silent killer

Landiwe Tybosch.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally and the second most common female cancer in South Africa, according to recent studies conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Cervical cancer affects women as young as 30 years old and true to its nickname – the silent killer is masking itself and is forcing women to disregard its warning signs.

Various studies have found that limited financial resources and lack of education see poorer segments of society being affected harshly by the disease because of the struggle to afford treatment.

Now, Landiwe Tybosch has decided to use her story to change the lives of women and alert them to cervical cancer.

Tybosch is a cervical cancer survivor who was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer in 2017.

“I managed to win the battle with cervical cancer, but it’s very important to note that it’s not enough to beat it, you still have to make sure that you maintain your health by scheduling the gynaecologist visits and having those check-ups.” 

She believes that society needs to speak about the disease.

“The best way to defeat this silent killer is to be vocal about the disease. With knowledge comes a better way of doing and living,” says Ms Tybosch. 

She is now on a mission to educate women of all ages about the importance of knowing and loving their bodies.

She currently travels around Cape Town talking to groups of women about cervical cancer and the dangers of the disease, but most importantly that the disease is detectable and treatable.