A teacher battling terminal cancer has revealed she’s sick of people asking insensitive questions – including whether she’s dating and if she’s scared to die.
Khadejah Sutherland was given the devastating news that she had stage four cancer in February, after the disease spread from her breast to her liver.
The 25-year-old was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and went into remission in June 2023 – but tragically, the cancer later returned and is now incurable.
Alongside gruelling treatment and the emotional toll of her diagnosis, Khadejah says she’s been left frustrated by people’s thoughtless comments and questions.
“People need to use their common sense,” Khadejah, from Birmingham, told Need To Know.
“People ask if I’m scared to die or if I think about death a lot more.
“It’s so insensitive.
“Friends of friends will ask if I’m dating anyone.
“I don’t think they mean it maliciously.
“They ask if I’ve found anyone special.
“Obviously, I don’t have a dating life.
“It’s frustrating. It makes me feel awful.
“Of course I want a relationship, I’m a normal girl.
“I think about having children, so when people ask me, it’s a slap in the face and a reminder of what I’m not having.
“I would love to have these experiences, but it’s impossible to do it while I’m going through what I’m going through, so I don’t need a constant reminder.
“I’m upfront, so I say I’m not comfortable answering those types of questions.”
Khadejah says she also receives unwanted messages online from strangers offering “miracle cures” with some even claiming they can heal her cancer for £200.
She said: “People message saying they can cure my cancer for £200.
“They’re preying on vulnerable people.
“And older people say what comes to their heads.
“An elderly lady told me there’s no point going to chemo because I’ll still have cancer while I was out with my grandad.”
Khadejah is urging people to “think before they speak” when in a conversation with someone who has a terminal illness.
She said: “Think. Is it appropriate to say?
“I’m human, I have thoughts and feelings.
“Of course I want these things, but it’s virtually impossible.
“Guys do approach me, but I don’t let it go anywhere because I know saying I have cancer will be a deal breaker.”
Khadejah was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 after noticing skin breakouts and weight gain.
She added, “When I was diagnosed, it didn’t feel real, like I was having an out-of-body experience.
“It was horrific.
“I was completely devastated.
“I’ve had over 10 surgeries now and been on steroids that have affected my skin, body and weight.
“I’ve really struggled with people comparing me to how I looked before.”
Khadejah is fundraising £30,000 in the hopes of travelling the world.
To donate, go to: Donate to Travel the world whilst battling cancer, organised by Khadejah Brooks-Sutherland.
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