Breast cancer survivor who became a mother at 45 urges women not to fear treatment

A breast cancer survivor, Jemima Naana Boateng, has urged women diagnosed with the disease not to delay or abandon treatment out of fear that it could deprive them of the opportunity to have children. Jemima, who gave birth to her first child at the age of 45, six years after surviving breast cancer, says her experience should encourage women to prioritise their health while keeping hope alive about motherhood. She had spent nine years hoping to become a mother after getting married at 30 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a development that made an already difficult journey even more challenging. Speaking on Cosmopolitan Mix with Doreen Andoh on Joy FM, she recounted how the diagnosis left her worried about her future, particularly the possibility of never experiencing motherhood. “I battled with having a baby. I got married at 30. I was waiting. I thought I’d done all that I could.

You can just name it, for nine years, before expecting to be a mother. Then boom, you have breast cancer,” she said. The diagnosis came with fear and uncertainty, but Jemima said she eventually decided to focus on surviving rather than allow the condition to define her future. “Emotionally, you can just put yourself in my shoes. But hey, I chose life. And I decided to close that docket. At least God has given me one more chance, another chance to live life,” she said. Her treatment journey involved chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy after doctors reportedly found traces of the disease in her lungs. She continues to receive treatment at home. Six years after surviving breast cancer, Jemima welcomed a baby girl on December 31, at the age of 45, describing the birth as an unexpected blessing after years of waiting. “One day, I was just there, and God decided to put that smile on…