Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage shown by women facing this diagnosis. For Dr Dèhan Strüwig, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, the month carries a deeply personal meaning – a tribute to his late sister, Mari, who bravely fought breast cancer for a decade. In this heartfelt reflection, he shares how her journey continues to shape his purpose as a surgeon and his commitment to helping women heal, both physically and emotionally, after breast cancer.
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month renews focus on a disease that impacts thousands of women and their families across South Africa. But for some of us, this month holds an even deeper meaning.
I never knew my grandmother on my mother’s side – she died of breast cancer when my mother was just four. I do have memories of my grandmother on my father’s side – but she too died of breast cancer when I was a young adult.
On 4 April this year, I lost my sister, Mari, after a ten-year battle with breast cancer. Her genetic background did not influence her diagnosis. It simply had to be.
This article is for her. And for every woman walking this difficult path.
Breast Cancer in South Africa: More Than a Diagnosis
In South Africa, breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women. Early detection is vital, yet many are diagnosed late due to limited access to screening and a lack of awareness. The ripple effects of a diagnosis are profound, affecting not only the patient but also her family, friends, and community.
As a plastic surgeon, I see a side of this disease that isn’t always talked about enough: the physical and emotional scars left behind after a mastectomy. I work closely with general surgeons who perform the life-saving operation of removing the cancer. My role begins where theirs leaves off—helping women rebuild, not just physically but also emotionally and psychologically, through breast reconstruction.
Should you be wondering – I did not choose plastic surgery because of my family history – I was a specialist long before my sister was ever diagnosed. I am incredibly humbled and blessed to have chosen this career and to be able to make a slight difference in the journey of those with breast cancer.
The Journey After Surgery: Why Reconstruction Matters
Breast reconstruction is not about vanity. It’s about healing. It’s about giving women the chance to look in the mirror and see more than what cancer took. It’s an option that should be available to every woman, no matter her age, stage, or income level.
Reconstruction can occur either immediately during mastectomy or later, depending on the patient’s condition and treatment plan. Methods vary from implant-based reconstruction to using the patient’s own tissue (autologous reconstruction). Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and what suits one woman may not be appropriate for another. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to be involved in the decision-making process from the beginning.
And it remains the woman’s choice – I support every woman’s journey, regardless of her decision. Reconstruction is not essential to healing; it is simply another part of the puzzle. And it is not necessarily suitable for everyone.
What Patients Deserve: A Team That Works Together
Breast cancer care is most effective when it’s collaborative. In my practice, I work closely with general surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and counsellors. We plan surgeries together, coordinate timelines, and ensure patients are fully informed of their options from the outset.
Too often, reconstruction is presented as an afterthought—or worse, not presented at all. But it’s not a luxury. It’s part of holistic breast cancer treatment. Every woman deserves to know what her body can look and feel like after cancer.
For Mari
My sister, Mari, was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago. She was fiercely brave, stubborn in the best way, and full of life. She faced every round of treatment with grit and humour, never losing the spark that made her unmistakably my sister. My Mari.
I loved her all her life. I will miss her for the rest of my life.
In those ten years, she saw her children grow up. She was blessed with a grandchild for each year she had breast cancer—ten in total. She kept persevering, even when it was difficult. She never allowed cancer to define her—yet it shaped all of us who loved her. Watching her navigate this journey gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to live with breast cancer—and of what I owe my patients in compassion, honesty, and care. It also gave me special opportunities to spend time with her, share meaningful moments, and create memories that will last the rest of my life.
Mari passed away this April, and nothing feels quite the same without her. Yet every day, especially this month, I carry her with me in every consultation, every surgery, every reconstructed breast. This article is dedicated to her. To her courage. To her grace. For the women like her still fighting, and for those who never had the chance.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Breast cancer doesn’t end with surgery. Survivorship is a journey—one that involves physical recovery, emotional strength, and sometimes, reconstruction. As a community, we must do better to support women at every stage.
To every woman facing this illness: you are not alone. There is strength in asking questions. There is dignity in choosing what feels right for your body. And there is hope — in the hands of your medical team, in the hearts of your loved ones, and in your own reflection.
This October, I ask you to remember the women you’ve lost, support those in treatment, and uplift those in recovery. And if you’re a medical professional: keep fighting for your patients to have every option they deserve, including reconstruction.
For Mari, and for every woman like her—I carry on.
About the author
M.B.Ch.B; M.Med. (Plast&Reconstr) (Stell)
Dr Dèhan is a respected Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to patient care. With a compassionate and hands-on approach, he supports his patients throughout their surgical journey. His expertise spans both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with a particular focus on facial procedures, breast surgery, abdominoplasty, and liposuction.
Dr Dèhan’s experience in treating traumatic injuries, including hand injuries, burns, and lacerations, in children and adults alike. His practice also integrates skin cancer surgery, supported by a dedicated team of nurses, healthcare professionals, and a Skincare Diagnostic Technician.
He completed his medical studies at the University of Stellenbosch and Cape Town Medical School, followed by a prestigious fellowship in Paris under Dr Francoise Firmin, where he specialised in cosmetic surgery and ear reconstruction. Further training across Europe and the U.S. has enriched his practice with global insights into patient care and management.