18years on: Dylan Biyela shares his journey of surviving childhood cancer

AT AGE nine, Dylan Keenan Biyela was diagnosed with Stage four B-Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that “shook the very foundation of my world”.

The 27-year-old, of Durban, said 18 years later, although it was a difficult and long journey, through the grace of God and a strong family support structure he made it through the hardest days. 

B-Cell Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system's B lymphocytes (white blood cells), which typically causes symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. 

Biyela, a forensic investigator, said after discovering a lump on his leg, his parents took him to a doctor in 2007. 

“After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I was young, with dreams to chase and a future I thought I had all figured out. Suddenly, everything changed. What followed was a battle not only with cancer itself, but with fear, uncertainty, and the countless obstacles that come with such a journey. It shook the very foundation of my world.

“I underwent six months of chemotherapy, regular hospital visits and surgical procedures. This all became a part of my reality, which took a toll on my body and mind. There were days when giving up seemed easier and the weight of it all felt unbearable. But deep within me, something refused to break,” he said. 

Biyela said his faith and family helped him to not give up.

“I look back with overwhelming gratitude and humility. It was around 2012 that I was cancer-free. Now, it has been 13 years of being cancer-free, of having second chances, and proving that perseverance, faith, and the human spirit can conquer even the darkest of storms.

“In addition, my story is not just about surviving cancer. It is about living beyond it by embracing every moment, finding purpose in pain, and refusing to let my diagnosis define me. Cancer tried to take away my future, but instead it gave me perspective. It taught me to celebrate small victories, to appreciate loved ones more deeply, and to approach every day as a gift,” he said. 

Biyela said his message to children with cancer was to remain hopeful and to never give up.  

“Today, I share my journey not to dwell on hardship, but to inspire hope. If my journey proves anything, it is that hope never dies, and neither should we. To anyone facing a diagnosis, or any battle that feels too heavy to carry, know that you are stronger than you think. 

"The road may be long, the nights may feel endless, but perseverance has power and there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is also not the end of my story, but only the beginning of what life after cancer can look like,” he said. 

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