Among males in Mzansi, prostate cancer has the highest incidence rate. It affects around one in every 23 men. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a major setback, from the first shock of the diagnosis to the rigours of therapy and the unknown future. In this episode, we are joined by David Pasipanodya (73), a prostate cancer survivor.
He and his wife found out he had prostate cancer at one of their regular check-ups while they were living in Sydney, Australia in 2006.
According to Pasipanodya, the announcement of the positive blood test result was a complete shock.
“They told me my cancer was very aggressive,” Pasipanodya says.
There had been a lot of changes in his life since his diagnosis. He admits he was afraid of dying from cancer, which is a common belief among the general public. One of his primary difficulties was a lack of restful sleep.
“I literally panicked, I just told myself this is the end of my life because I had two brothers who had died from cancer as well.”
Making the decision to fight cancer with bravery
Pasipanodya tells Health For Mzansi how he goes about coaching clients about life and encouraging them through their own journey. The people and clients he had mentored had heard him say that you may be lifted or weighed down by anything you put your energy into.
“In this life, it’s not so much of what happens to you but rather how you choose to respond to what happens to you.”
David Pasipanodya
He adds that, as much as he dreaded dying from cancer, it helped him see his own power. Pasipanodya then wrote a book titled “Winning attitudes: In the Face of Adversity”.
His book takes readers on the emotional path he went through after learning he had prostate cancer, from shock to despondency, rage, acceptance, and, eventually, to an optimistic attitude.
“It starts with you. It’s about your mindset.”
Pasipanodya says people who think cancer is a women’s illness, are gravely mistaken.
During the session, Pasipanodya also discusses the following topics:
- Cancer diets;
- Establishing a good mindset; and
- The importance of undergoing regular physical examinations.
Listen to the full interview on Sisters Without Shame
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Google Podcasts: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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