What made me go for the mammogram?

Every January, I do my annual health checks to see where I'm at health wise and to make sure that I'm still doing everything I can to stay health and keep my Vitality Status at Diamond. January 2025 was no different.

I completed my health screening and, much to my delight, I was within the healthy range for all five categories: body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and smoking status.

I also downloaded the Discovery Health app and activated my Personal Health Pathway.

When I activated my Pathway, one of the next best actions recommended to me was to have a mammogram.

I was over 40, so this made sense. But if I'm completely honest, a mammogram was one of those things I had thought about doing but had never actually got around to.

I spoke to my family doctor, who has always been a strong advocate for women taking care of their health. She encouraged me to do it.

There was also little voice inside me - perhaps it was my intuition - telling me not to put it off any longer.

I was determined to complete this recommendation on my Personal Health Pathway before the deadline of 19 February 2025.

What happened at the appointment?

I was nervous.

I had never had a mammogram before, so I didn't really know what to expect.

Thankfully, the healthcare professionals at the radiology center were incredible. They were kind, patient and reassuring. They explained what they were doing and checked on me throughout the process.

The mammogram itself was a bit of a blur of cold plates and pressure.

Then the doctor asked for another image. That was when my mind started racing and a feeling of fear grew inside me.

The doctor told me they had picked up an unfamiliar solid mass in my left breast and requested permission for an immediate biopsy.

How did I get the diagnosis?

Waiting for the results was hard. For three days, I tried to carry on as normally as possible.

Then the phone rang and I heard the words I had been desperately hoping I wouldn't hear: "Sameshni, I'm sorry. You have stage 1 breast cancer."

I was shocked, frightened and overwhelmed.

But I was also so grateful that I had listened to my intuition, my doctor and followed my Personal Health Pathway recommendation - even though I had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer.

After being diagnosed with HIV in 2008 - something I have been very open about to raise awareness of healthy living to manage living with HIV - I made it an absolute priority to keep myself in good health, including regular exercise and eating healthily.

How did my experience with HIV shape how I faced this?

Since my HIV diagnosis, I have made my health a priority. I exercise, try to eat well, and keep up with my health checks.

This wasn't the first time life had handed me something I didn't expect.

My HIV diagnosis taught me that a diagnosis does not define you and that you can be strong while you are afraid.

I took the same approach after my breast cancer diagnosis. This isn't a story of defeat. It's a story of courage.

It's a story about facing fear head-on, listening to that inner voice and choosing to be proactive about my health. I get to decide how I respond to the diagnosis and I intend to win this battle.

How am I doing now?

Today, I am incredibly grateful for my health.

I feel strong and positive and am living my life to the fullest.

I continue to run regularly and am preparing for a marathon in December 2026.

I've also entered the Cape Town Marathon in May 2027, which will be the first Abbott World Marathon Major held in Africa.

That is a huge deal for me and something I am incredibly excited about.

Running has always been about more than just putting one foot in front of the other. For me, it represents strength, resilience, freedom and the belief that I can keep going even when the road gets tough.

And right now, that feels more meaningful than ever.

What would I say to someone who hasn't activated Personal Health Pathways?

I'd say, "Activate it now!"

For me, Personal Health Pathways wasn't just another feature on an app. It gave me a nudge at exactly the right time. It helped me identify a health screening that I knew I should probably be doing but kept putting off.

That mammogram led to further investigation, which led to my diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer.

That simple digital nudge prompted me to act. And for that, I will always be grateful.

Personal Health Pathways didn't just remind me to look after my health. It may have saved my life.

Early detection matters. Finding cancer as early as possible can change the entire journey.

I also advise everyone to listen to your body and intuition, and go for the necessary screenings when they are due. Sometimes one small decision can change your life.