Meet Anj Periyasamy, a courageous mother-of-two who faced triple positive breast cancer at just 37. While battling this challenging disease, Anj discovered something she found even tougher than the gruelling chemotherapy: the medically-induced menopause she had to undergo. This was all due to her cancer being “fed by hormones”, requiring her to keep her ovaries “asleep” without the help of HRT.
“Menopause sucks big time. There are so many facets to it that nobody talks about,” Anj candidly shared. From night sweats to mood swings, the impact of menopause has been a constant hurdle. Despite crying in front of her oncologist, she persevered, knowing chemotherapy was at least temporary.
Anj’s journey kicked off when she felt “knackered” while caring for her young daughters, Jasmin and Maya. Initially dismissed by healthcare professionals due to her age, her persistence led to an early detection that changed her life.
Over six months, Anj braved 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. Yet, it’s the menopausal side effects that have truly tested her resilience. Tendon pain, sexual dysfunction, and unexpected bouts of rage have all been part of her new normal.
Through the tough times, Anj has remained focused on her family. With the help of the charity Breast Cancer Now, she found ways to explain her condition to her kids in a way they could understand.
Four years after her diagnosis, Anj’s journey has taken her from personal battles to public advocacy. She participated in Trekstock Cancer Support’s photography exhibition, “Are You Better Yet?”, highlighting the realities faced by cancer survivors like herself.
Determined to be visible as a South Asian woman and inspire her daughters, Anj is sharing her story to raise awareness and educate others. Her message to her daughters is one of empowerment and resilience: “I’m proud of you, mummy – you did it.”
Catch the exhibition until March 29 at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in London and follow Anj’s story on TikTok. Let’s celebrate her bravery and the strength it takes to not just survive but thrive.