7de Laan actress Carina Nel diagnosed with breast cancer

Former 7de Laan actress Carina Nel has shared her recent breast cancer diagnosis with the public. The mother-of-two is known for her role as Alexa Welman in the SABC 2 soapie, which ended in 2023.

ACTRESS CARINA NEL REVEALS BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS

On her Instagram account, actress Carina Nel shared the jarring news of her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 38-year-old revealed that she had undergone a biopsy of a growth on her chest after going in for a routine mammogram back in mid-April.

Just days later, her worst fears were confirmed.

In the months that have passed, Carina, a wife and mother of two, has sought extensive treatment.

She shared: “The road is long and difficult. There are still many challenges ahead of me, months of treatment already finished and still ahead of me, several surgeries, more scans, more doctors, possible radiation, years of hormone treatment, side effects, etc. My life will never be the same again, and I’m still trying to make peace with it.

“My heart is aching. But in this, I get to know a new version of myself. I learn the most beautiful lessons, and my character is built and shaped to fully live the Lord’s plan for my life. I am strong and positive, and so proud of myself!

Carina Nel revealed that her strong support system and faith in God had helped her through her health challenges.

7DE LAAN STARS GONE TOO SOON

Carina Nel’s breast cancer diagnosis comes after the death of co-star Crystal-Donna Roberts – who played Janine – who died of stage four breast cancer last year.

The actress had been diagnosed years earlier, and had undergone a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.

Over the years, there have been other tragic deaths of 7de Laan actors.

On 22 December 2001, Randall de Jager – who played Aubrey Rudolph – was gunned down in a botched house break-in.

The 30-year-old star was house-sitting for a friend when he was shot in the face.

In 2021, the soapie was dealt a major blow when the storyline’s beloved house helper, Maria Zibula, played by Themsie Times, died. The 70-year-old’s cause of death was never disclosed.

A year later, 7de Laan’s biggest offscreen tragedy struck when actor Patrick Shai – who played Jacob Moloi – took his own life in 2022.

The veteran star committed suicide after allegedly being cyberbullied over a lighthearted video he posted just days prior.