Rosaline Clarke: a cancer survivor’s journey from fear to hope

Oct 05, 2025 News

Cancer Survivor Rosaline Clarke

(Kaieteur News) – Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings a wave of emotions, hope, strength, and remembrance, for those battling the disease and those inspired by their journeys. For 67-year-old Rosaline “Rose” Clarke, a two-time cancer survivor and steadfast woman of faith, this period is deeply personal. Her story is one of endurance, courage, and unwavering trust in God. This cancer survivor’s journey is one of fear and hope.

Clarke knew cancer was in her family, but she never imagined she would face it herself. Her journey began in September 2016, while traveling overseas. She felt a lump under her arm but dismissed it, thinking it was caused by carrying heavy luggage. During her visit, her sister—who had recently undergone breast cancer surgery—urged her to get checked upon returning to Guyana. “She said when I come back to Guyana I should get myself checked out right away,” Clark said.

Clarke vividly recalls the day she decided to get checked at the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), where doctors confirmed the presence of a lump beneath her breast. “They found a lump there and I was told to go to the Mercy Hospital and they did a test and found a mass on the left side of the breast. I went to Medical Arts Center and I did a lumpectomy and I waited six weeks. It was an agonizing six weeks to know what is the situation. When I got a call, the doctor said that the results are in, and I went alone. But he told me I have to bring somebody,” Clarke stated.

She recalled the next day she went back to the medical center with her husband and her worst fear was confirmed when the doctor announced that she had cancer. Still in disbelief, she sought a second opinion at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but the results were the same.

With her husband’s support, Clarke made the difficult decision to undergo a mastectomy in early November. But just as she began adjusting to life after surgery, tragedy struck. “In the first year of my journey, my mother passed away, and six months later, my husband also died,” she said tearfully. “It was an incredibly tough time for me.”

Despite her grief, Clarke found comfort in the unwavering support of her children and grandchildren. “My biggest support came from my children,” she said with a faint smile. “During my first cancer awareness walk, my granddaughter, who was only three years old, walked beside me.”

Still, the emotional toll of losing a breast was difficult to accept. “It was so frustrating sometimes. I never looked in the mirror,” Clarke admitted. “Knowing that I once had two breasts and now only one, it hurt deeply.”

Clarke stayed on Letrozole treatment for seven years and remained consistent with her checkups. However, in 2025 symptoms reappeared, this time signaling the onset of cervical cancer. “Earlier this year, I began noticing spotting,” Clarke shared. “They say when you’ve had breast cancer, it goes with the other one, so I prayed, ‘Lord, help me,’ and went to have a biopsy done.”

The biopsy process was difficult, as doctors initially struggled to obtain sufficient samples. “It was too painful, and I wanted them to leave me alone,” she confessed. “Eventually, they did a D&C, and it came back showing cervical malignancy that could develop into cancer. So by the end of this month, I’ll be having a hysterectomy to remove everything.”

Through every challenge, Clarke’s faith has been her anchor. “Nothing is impossible with God,” she said firmly. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have the courage, and I’m not afraid anymore.”

Her message to others facing cancer is one of love and solidarity. “For those struggling with cancer and for survivors, show them love and support. We battle this sickness 365 days a year,” she said.

Ms. Clarke is more than a survivor. She is a fighter, a voice and most of all, a beacon of hope.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month, cancer, Rosaline Clarke, survivor

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