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It was one moment that changed her life. In 2024, aged 36 and with no family history of breast cancer, Megan Fielers discovered a lump in her left breast.
The Kloof resident immediately contacted a friend in radiology that evening and booked an appointment for the following day. Although not initially too concerned, Megan went ahead with a mammogram and ultrasound.
It was when the head radiologist entered the room, followed by her friend, that the reality began to sink in.
“I knew the news wasn’t good. We did a biopsy there and then, and sent them for accurate testing,” says Megan.
“The moment I got the news, I broke into tears, with my friend hugging and crying with me, and reassuring me that I’d get through this.
“During my tears, I felt the most intense sense of peace. It was as if the tears disappeared, and God took control, as he had already defeated this battle for me, and now I had to just go through the motions of appointments and treatments.”
The weekend that followed was difficult, as Megan waited for the final results and answers about the type of cancer she had and what it would mean for her future.
“The air felt so heavy, waiting on results and how life would look different from that day on. I think the biggest challenge was trying to get family and friends to understand that I knew in my heart everything was going to be fine, and that I was going to come out of this alive, because God said I would.”
READ: Breast Cancer Awareness Month events in Durban this October
Facing an aggressive diagnosis
The results confirmed that Megan had Stage 2A triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that can grow quickly. Her tumour measured 5.5cm.
Triple-negative breast cancer tests showed she was negative for oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and the HER2 protein. Because Megan was young and had no family history of cancer, she also underwent genetic testing, which confirmed that she carries the BRCA1 gene.
For Megan, this meant facing an intensive treatment plan – but she approached the challenge with determination and a strong sense of faith.
“My treatment plan consisted of six months of aggressive chemotherapy, the worst being called ‘The Red Devil’ (which I renamed the Blood of Jesus!),” she recalls. “I was extremely blessed to have minimal side effects. Days 3 and 4 were the hardest, and my worst symptom was losing all my hair. One thing that really surprised me is physically how sore your head gets when your hair falls out.”
However, she embraced it; despite buying wigs to ‘cover up’, she went ahead bald, relying on worship to get through the worst days. Following her last chemo session on 5 May 2025 and mastectomy on 26 May 2026, no further cancer was found.
The importance of support
Throughout her treatment, Megan was cared for by the team at Hopelands Cancer Centre. She credits her doctors and nurses with helping her feel informed and prepared at every stage. Her faith and the support of loved ones were equally important.
“Surround yourself with the people that love you, allow them to love and help you. We cannot fight this fight in our own strength. We need our village. And most importantly, we need our faith.”
The experience also changed her outlook on life.
“Don't burden yourself with worries about things that cannot be changed. Who cares what other people think of you? They are not living your life, so they do not get to have a say. Your life could change in a split second. ‘Wear the Silver Pants’ LIVE YOUR LIFE THE WAY YOU WANT.”
Megan is careful to acknowledge that her experience should not be taken as a measure of how anyone else should respond to a cancer diagnosis, and that each case is unique.
Why regular breast checks matter
Megan's diagnosis is a reminder that breast cancer can affect younger women, including those with no known family history. She says regular checks are vital.
“There I was, 36, with no family history of cancer, and I turned out to not only have the most aggressive form, but also BRCA1 too! If you feel a lump, go get it checked. Knowledge is power.”
Breast awareness matters throughout the year. Get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and seek medical advice if you notice a lump or any unusual change. Home checks can help you identify changes, but they do not replace recommended screening or professional medical advice.
“After 6 months of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and having my fallopian tubes removed as a precaution, my takeaway is as cliché as it gets: LIFE IS A GIFT!”
Megan lives in Kloof with her husband, Marc, and their two sons, Kai and Tanner.
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