In the battle against breast cancer, this illustrator arms people with knowledge

Jesse Breytenbach had too many friends lose the battle against breast cancer. The disease is unrelenting and information about it is scarce, making each attack a strike from the shadows. When people are diagnosed, they don’t always understand what warfare their body is about to face. So Breytenbach is shedding light on the fear and myths with something stronger – laughter.

In collaboration with PinkDrive, an NGO that raises awareness to ensure early detection, Breytenbach created Girl Talk. The weekly comic strip is a humorous weapon addressing questions, interjecting stigmas, and spreading messages of hope. “This is a rough guide to what someone would go through,” Breytenbach says. The primary characters of the comic, Thuli and Jo, represent the everyday lives of South Africans as they steer conversations towards breast cancer. “We need to put more information out there in easily accessible ways,” Breytenbach says.

The intimations braided into the colourful illustrations encourage those who aren't ill to attend regular check-ups, all while helping patients deal with their reality. “It is possible to make it through cancer treatment,” Breytenbach says. With this form of edutainment, we can combat the unknown and help save a life.