Cancer warrior Shaunice Dean preaches positive energy

When THE STAR spoke with colorectal cancer warrior Shaunice Dean earlier this week, she radiated positivity. The past year has been pain-free for the 33-year-old, a blessing she says gives her every reason to smile.

"I am not in any pain or anything for a while, so that is really good," she said.

Dean was diagnosed with Stage Two cancer after nearly a year of treatment for acid reflux. Within two years, her condition worsened to Stage Four colorectal cancer, and a grim "one year to live" prognosis.

After constantly battling the illness and its treatments, Dean said she decided to take a short break to focus on her mental health.

"I have been off chemotherapy since the ending of 2024, because I had a negative side effect, which led me to doing an emergency surgery. From October 2024, I have not been on any medication, and I am feeling well," Dean said.

Earlier this year, test results revealed the cancer had not spread to any other organs. Still, Dean is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a tumour that remains in her liver.

"Last year has been the best year for me since I have been fighting. I am more grounded in my faith. I have passed the five-year survival rate, and that has given me hope that I can pass a lot of other five years," she said.

Colorectal cancer remains a serious concern in Jamaica, with the Jamaica Cancer Society reporting it as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In the United States of America, 63 people out of every 100 who received a colon cancer diagnosis were alive five years later.

Dean says she has learnt to take life in strides. She pays little attention to data about survival rates.

"It is not about what medicine or statistics says, but what God says," Dean reasons. "I am here for a bigger purpose and I still don't understand the purpose in full as yet."

Beyond her health battles, Dean is busy writing her book and running a customised gift business. Most importantly, she is cherishing her role as a mother to her 13-year-old son.

"I am seeing life from a whole new perspective. My time is more valuable and I am very intentional with what I do. While I may feel some discomfort every now and again, I am not complaining. It feels good not to have any painkillers in my house for a while now," she added.

From her home in Allman Town, Kingston, Dean is urging others facing cancer and other serious illnesses to stay positive.

"I keep reminding myself that cancer is just a word and not a death sentence," she said. "I truly believe that healing starts in the mind, so I want to encourage others who are fighting diseases to stay positive," she said.

Dean believes that maintaining a positive mindset can significantly influence one's circumstances. She chooses to focus on her current journey rather than the label of cancer, telling others that she is simply going through a challenging period and not defining herself by the disease.

"I am not claiming the cancer," she said.