Image: Adobe StockThey’re not just studying cancer - they’re rewriting the story. At the University of the Western Cape (UWC), two women are turning science into superhero work, minus the capes, but definitely with gloves and goggles, uncovering the genetic clues that drive cancer’s development and progression.
Meet Dr Bridget Langa and Dr Sahar Abdul-Rasool, two researchers making waves in breast cancer research, one molecule at a time.
Dr Langa is the DNA detective as a molecular oncologist and bioinformatics expert who treats DNA like a mystery novel - except the plot twists could save lives.
Her research dives deep into the genetic makeup of breast cancer, decoding the “recipe book” of our bodies to find the typos that cause disease. Think of her as a scientific editor, fixing genetic mistakes before they become life-threatening.
She’s especially passionate about studying South Africa’s unique ethnic populations, which are often underrepresented in global research. Her goal: is to develop treatments that work better for local communities and improve healthcare outcomes across the country. And yes, she compares her job to being a detective. “It’s like finding clues that no one else has spotted,” she said. “And those clues can help save lives.”
Sharing the same lab, in the molecular biology space, Dr Abdul-Rasool is the Molecular Maverick on the fourth floor of UWC’s Life Sciences building. Dr Abdul-Rasool is busy hunting down breast cancer cells with precision tools and a whole lot of passion. A senior lecturer in the Department of Medical Biosciences, she’s working on early detection techniques that could mean the difference between life and loss for many women.
Her lab uses a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a kind of molecular magnifying glass, to spot cancer markers even when there’s just one rogue cell among ten million. That’s like finding a needle in a haystack.
What excites her most?
“When our experiments work and we discover something new,” she explained. “It’s competitive, it’s cutting-edge, and it’s adopted worldwide.”
Why Their Work Matters
Both researchers tackle breast cancer from different angles - Dr Langa through genetics and bioinformatics, and Dr Abdul-Rasool through molecular diagnostics.
Together, they’re helping South Africa move toward more personalised, effective treatments that reflect the country’s diverse population. They are mentors, puzzle-solvers, and advocates for women’s health. Their labs may be filled with test tubes and data sets, but their hearts are set on making a real-world impact.
