How routine testing saved a cancer support group founder

VINIYADIAN Reddy, 75, the founder of the Woodview Cancer Support Group (WCSG), discovered his own prostate cancer during a routine wellness check.

Now in recovery, his personal journey reinforces his organisation's mission to provide accessible cancer screenings to the community.

Join WCSG's final Wellness Day  on November 8, offering free health services including vital cancer screenings.

Reddy, of Woodview, said a routine test at a wellness day in November 2021 changed his life.

His wife Navie said one of the tests showed irregularities which required the attention of a

neurologist.

“Later, a biopsy showed a hidden shadow which led to his diagnosis of prostate cancer,” she said.

Reddy said he underwent intensive radiation treatment and two years of injections before he went into remission. He now has a check up every six months.

“If it was not for the testing at the wellness day, we would never have picked up the cancer. That early detection saved my husband,” said Navie.

Reddy’s passion for helping people who have been diagnosed with cancer stemmed from the death of his sister-in-law (Navie’s sister), Nagamah Naidoo, who passed away from breast cancer at the age of 32 in 1991.

“He saw how my sister’s death affected me and our family. This motivated him to start helping at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) in Umbilo. Later with CANSA’s assistance he opened the WCSG.

“He wanted to help the less fortunate patients as much as he could because many do not have access to medicines and other supplies which are needed in the fight against cancer,” she said.

She said WCSG focused on promotion health, hope, and healing to cancer patients.

“At WCSG, we have the privilege of walking alongside some of the bravest people you will ever meet. Our mission has always been to support, uplift, and empower those fighting cancer - and to promote the same strength and determination they show every day,” said May Munien, WCSG vice secretary.

She said regular screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer was the most effective ways to detect the disease early.

Through its wellness days, WCSG strives to make these essential health checks accessible to everyone and help break down the barriers of medical costs, stigma, and fear.

Saturday’s wellness way will offer a wide range of free health services, including HIV cancer and screenings (breast, cervical, prostrate), dental and optometry screening, podiatry consultations and blood pressure and sugar tests.

Vitamin B12 and BCo injections will also be available at a discounted rate of R40 each and limited to the first 100 attendees.

For over ten years, the WCSG has been a pillar of strength in the Phoenix community, providing emotional support, grocery hampers, nutritional packs, and counselling to patients and their families. Beyond its services, the organisation has built a family where hope, compassion, and kindness guide every interaction.

“Cancer may test the body, but it never breaks the spirit,” said Ragini Indarjith WCSG’s vice treasurer.

“This wellness day we honour the brave men and women who continue to fight cancer with dignity and grace. We want to channel their courage into a message for everyone: take care of your health, check yourself regularly, and never lose hope,” said Indarjith.

WCSG wellness day will take place on November 8, at Woodview Primary School, from 8am until 12 noon. For more information contact Ragini on 083 280 6742 or Neesha on 068 296 5321.

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