Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk

18/02/2026

Why does breast cancer–related anxiety start… and why can it linger after treatment ends? 🎀

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect the body — it can have a lasting effect on your mind as well.

For many women, the diagnosis arrives unexpectedly and brings multiple appointments with different specialists, long periods of waiting, uncertainty, and fear of recurrence or death.

Treatment itself can be overwhelming: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapies place the body under intense physical stress, often alongside rapid and lasting hormonal changes.

At the same time, many people are coping with visible body changes — scars, hair loss, altered breasts — which can affect identity, sexuality, and confidence. Add younger age, limited support, or financial pressure, and the nervous system stays on high alert.

During treatment, your body operates on red alert- a state of high anxiety.

When treatment ends, medical contact decreases — but the fear doesn’t automatically switch off. For many, this is when anxiety intensifies, not fades.

The body has learned that danger came without warning, and it takes time to relearn safety.

09/02/2026

Will the fear of breast cancer coming back ever go away?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask.

The short answer:
💬 For many people, the fear changes over time — but it might always be there, to a lesser or greater degree.

Even after treatment is finished, it’s very normal to feel anxious:
• before follow-up appointments
• when you notice a new ache or sensation
• around anniversaries or reminders
• when someone else is diagnosed
• when life finally “slows down” or “goes back to normal” again

Many people are surprised by this. They expect that once treatment ends, anxiety disappears.

But while your body is healing, your mind may stay on high alert.

Over time, for most people:
• the anxiety becomes less intense
• it takes up less mental space
• it comes and goes rather than staying constant

In the next posts, we’ll talk about:
• why cancer-related anxiety happens in the first place
• why it can linger long after treatment ends
• what actually helps anxiety over time
• and when extra support can make a real difference

30/01/2026

When people are deciding between breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy + radiotherapy) and mastectomy, it’s natural to focus on survival and recurrence risk.

But there’s something else that matters — and patients often say they wish they’d heard more about it upfront:

How does life actually feel after surgery?

Studies that ask patients directly — called patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) — consistently show that, on average:

▫️ People who have breast-conserving surgery report
• higher satisfaction with body image
• better physical comfort
• fewer long-term daily limitations

▫️ People who choose mastectomy are more likely to experience
• long-term numbness or tightness
• ongoing chest wall discomfort
• a longer physical and emotional recovery (even with reconstruction)

This does not mean one option is right for everyone.
It does mean every patient deserves to understand what each path can involve — beyond the operating theatre.

💬 The best decision is an informed decision, shaped by your values, your fears, and your life.

If you’re facing this choice, ask about quality of life outcomes, not just cancer control.

23/10/2025

I’m incredibly honoured to share that I’ve been voted Best General Surgeon in this year’s Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards! ✨

A heartfelt thank you to every single person who took the time to vote — this recognition means the world to me. 🙏
It’s a privilege to be trusted with your health and care.

Your confidence and support inspire us to keep raising the bar, every single day!

20/10/2025

Saturday was all about pink, purpose, and great company! 💗
Our Life Groenkloof Hospital Breast Cancer Unit team joined the breast cancer awareness breakfast hosted by De Mûelenaere Oncology — and it truly ticked every box:

✨ Informative talks
🍽️ Delicious food
👭 Wonderful people
🌸 The prettiest pink décor from
🥂 And yes… mimosas!

15/10/2025

A beautiful pink ribbon blooms in our practice this spring 🌸💗 — a joyful artificial flower arrangement by Flora Mystique, created to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate hope, renewal, and resilience.

09/10/2025

🎙Episode 17 – Beyond This by Zaheerah Bham Ismail 🎗️

October reminds us to pause, reflect and talk openly about something that affects so many women — breast cancer.

In this episode we chat to Dr Zeenat Dadabhay and Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk from the Life Groenkloof Hospital Breast Cancer Unit. Join us for a deep and compassionate discussion on:

💗 The rising rates of breast cancer in South Africa
💗 Why awareness and early testing save lives
💗 The cultural mindsets, fears and barriers that often hold women back
💗 How we can change the conversation — with faith, education and sisterhood

Awareness isn’t just about pink ribbons — it’s about saving lives, breaking silence and empowering women to take charge of their health.

🎧 Listen now to the latest episode of Beyond This by Zaheerah Bham Ismail

📲 Available now on all major platforms:

🔗 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/268Vixgd84hn0nDcjqP7vD?si=-RYLkbUQRwqVMUN5rGFCHQ

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDcHTLrC0I0

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/beyond-this-by-zaheerah-bham-ismail/id1821421972?i=1000730803990

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCN1hq36A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthis_by_zbi

💬 Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or DM us—your feedback helps guide what comes next 💖



💬 Share this with someone who needs the reminder: Your body is an amanah — take care of it with love and courage.

21/09/2025

How long does it take for breast cancer to become palpable (able to feel as a lump)?

On average, it can take 2 years for breast cancer to grow big enough to feel — usually around 1 to 2 cm.

BUT not all cancers grow the same. Some of the aggressive types grow faster, others slower.

And dense breast tissue can make it much harder to feel lumps or even see them on a mammogram.

The ideal is to pick up a breast cancer before it’s big enough to feel a lump.

Screening mammograms save lives because it can detect cancer years before it’s big enough to feel.

Don’t skip your checks — and talk to your doctor about breast density and the best screening plan for you.

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04/09/2025

The Myth of the Emergency Mastectomy

Most mastectomies are not medical emergencies. Even in aggressive breast cancers, surgery is carefully planned to allow time for consultations, imaging, reconstruction options, and emotional preparation.

We understand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be, and how strongly you want the cancer out right away. We will never delay surgery without reason, but taking the time to plan ensures the safest procedure, the best outcomes, and your peace of mind.

Remember: knowledge and careful planning are your allies—don’t let myths make you feel rushed. 💖

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04/09/2025

The Myth of the Emergency Mastectomy

Most mastectomies are not medical emergencies. Even in aggressive breast cancers, surgery is usually carefully planned to allow time for consultations, imaging, reconstruction options, and emotional preparation.

We understand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be, and how strongly you want the cancer removed right away. We will never delay surgery without reason, but taking the time to plan ensures the safest procedure, the best outcomes, and your peace of mind.

Remember: knowledge and careful planning are your allies—don’t let myths make you feel rushed. 💖

Image credit: Rebeka Vos

28/08/2025

🩺 One Year at Life Groenkloof 🩺

This month marks one year since we relocated our practice to Life Groenkloof. Over the past year, we have had the privilege of caring for many patients in our new rooms.

The journey has brought both challenges and highlights, but above all, it has been a year of growth, dedication, and commitment to providing the best possible care.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our patients for their trust, and to our colleagues and staff for their ongoing support and collaboration. Together, we look forward to many more years of providing compassionate and excellent care.

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20/08/2025

https://www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/pretoria/pretoria-vote/

A few of our breast cancer treatment team members have been nominated for the Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards 2025! 👏🏻

Voting closes 1 September 2025

VOTE Select each main category by clicking on the relevant image and cast your vote. *IMPORTANT: You may only vote for your favourites in each main category ONCE (eg Motoring, Food & Drink etc), so make sure you select all your favourites that main category before submitting. Having trouble voting?....