womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 STORIES OF STRENGTH 86 Faith Through It All STORIES OF STRENGTH Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, Salwa Mohammed Anwer faced heart complications and underwent rigorous treatment before being declared cancer-free. Five years later, the cancer returned. The teacher shares how her family, her work and, above all, her faith have given her the strength to fight on. My life changed when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Just as I was beginning to process it, I developed heart issues. By October that year, I was fitted with a pacemaker. In April 2021, I underwent a lumpectomy and was placed on hormone therapy. Managing treatment and appointments was not easy physically, emotionally or spiritually, but I resolved not to lose hope. I have three adult children and their support gave me purpose. Even when I felt weak, they reminded me that my life extended beyond my illness. I knew I had to keep going for them. My husband has been by my side throughout. He is not only my husband but also my friend, and I can discuss my fears, questions, worries and hopes with him. He listened and supported me. After my lumpectomy, I received the news I had been waiting for: I was cancer-free. The cancer returned, however, in December 2025. I have always considered myself a strong person, but the recurrence affected me in a way I had not expected. Alongside the fear came the difficulty of facing cancer again after believing that chapter was behind me. I underwent another operation, this time a partial mastectomy. Afterwards, I struggled to find the will to keep going. My faith became particularly important during this time. I tried to remain positive while acknowledging how difficult the experience was. I placed my life in the hands of Allah, the Merciful, and trusted that whatever happened next would be part of a greater plan. My work gave me something positive to focus on. I am a teacher by profession and approach my job with dedication. Working reminded me that I still had an important role beyond being a cancer patient. My family remained my pillar through periods of negative thinking. Their love encouraged me to keep moving forward when my emotions became overwhelming. I have learnt that healing involves dealing with the emotional impact of cancer alongside its physical effects. There are nights when I feel emotional and moments when I feel alone. At those times, I remind myself that God is with us, even when we feel at our weakest. If I could speak to anyone going through cancer, I would tell them to trust in God and try to hold on to hope, even when it is difficult. Some days will feel heavy and some nights will be emotional. Be gentle with yourself, spread positivity through kindness, cling to your faith and keep moving forward. Cancer has brought fear and uncertainty into my life, but my family, my work and my faith continue to give me the fortitude to face what comes next. Salwa
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==