On World Cancer Day, several actors who have bravely battled cancer share their powerful messages of hope, strength, and resilience. From early detection to maintaining a positive mindset during treatment, these survivors emphasize the importance of self-care, staying strong, and never letting the disease define their lives. Their stories serve as a reminder that with courage and determination, survival is possible, and life can thrive beyond cancer.
World Cancer Day: Actors Who Survived Cancer Have A Message for You
Mahima Chaudhry
In a candid conversation with The Week, Mahima Chaudhry reflected on her battle with breast cancer in 2022, sharing the emotional and physical toll it took on her. She admitted to experiencing "deep depression" and described chemotherapy as "severely challenging," revealing that her body eventually "caved in" under the strain.
Chaudhry emphasised the significance of regular check-ups, recalling how fear prevented many from taking timely action. "My friends, all of who are well-educated, said they out of fear of what might get detected, they hadn't got their breast examination done for several years and neither did they intend to do. Because the knowledge that they had been hit by cancer would be far more devastating," she said. Stressing the importance of early diagnosis, she added, "The point I want to make is that breast cancer is completely curable if detected at an early stage and delaying examination will only further delay one's chances at survival."
Hina Khan
In June 2024, Hina Khan shared with her fans on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Addressing the concern, she reassured everyone of her strength and determination to overcome the challenge. "I have been diagnosed with Stage Three Breast Cancer. Despite this challenging diagnosis, I want to reassure everyone that I am doing well. I am strong, determined, and fully committed to overcoming this disease. My treatment has already begun, and I am ready to do everything necessary to emerge from this even stronger.”
In a heartfelt post, Hina also offered powerful advice to others battling cancer, saying, "And to all you beautiful people who are battling this disease, Remember, it’s your story; it’s your life. You decide what to make of it. Don’t give up and find what you love doing. Your work, your passion—if you don’t know what it is, invent it. But remember to give yourself the healing you deserve. Coz doing what you love is also Healing.”
Chhavi Mittal
Chhavi Mittal was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, a news she shared on her social media platforms. The diagnosis came after doctors discovered a cancerous lump in her breast, marking her condition as Stage 2 breast cancer. Recalling her initial reaction, she said, "I yelled out, 'I don't want cancer." However, after speaking with several breast cancer doctors and survivors, she found reassurance in their words, which helped calm her fears. "It is treatable and your life can return to normal.” With a more positive outlook, shet then followed her surgeon’s plan of action and kept reminding herself, “You have to fight cancer. There isn’t any other option.”
Chhavi also shared a life lesson, “I was somebody who was always running. I was busy working or focusing on my kids. I had no time for myself. My biggest realisation has been not to take life for granted,” she said in her interview with The Better India.
Tahira Kashyap
Tahira Kashyap was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She didn't hide her diagnosis; instead, she opted to document it in order to inspire other women throughout the world. Adding to her experience, she wrote, "From my obsession with long hair, associating beauty with Rapunzel tresses, and hiding most of the time behind my hair (as I felt secure, lest my crooked nose, or freckles, or pimples, or simply not so chiselled face isn't exposed) to losing my hair, wearing extensions and a cap, going bald, to now a short crop, I am enjoying every phase because hair somehow lost my insecurity, my stupid notion of beauty and my complexes."
Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of self-love, and in one of her posts, she shared, “So hear me one last time, Fall in love with your self, All with dust, scar and grime. For that’s what make you, YOU Faulty, imperfect, blemished but all true!"
Sonali Bendre
Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, and she travelled to New York to undertake intensive therapy. She spoke openly about her battle with the disease. She also revealed that she struggled with her changing appearance after being diagnosed with cancer. The actor said she was left with a 23-to-24-inch scar after one of the most painful periods of her life. Following her recovery, she became a strong advocate for raising awareness and supporting cancer survivors. On Cancer Survivors Day in 2021, she penned a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her resilience and strength.
Reflecting on her journey, she wrote, “How time flies... today when I look back, I see strength, I see weakness, but most importantly, I see the will to not let the C word define how my life will be after it... You create the life you choose. The journey is what you make of it... so remember to take #OneDayAtATime and to #SwitchOnTheSunshine 🌈🌞💖 #CancerSurvivorsDay.”
Manisha Koirala
In 2012, Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was certified cancer-free in 2015 after a protracted battle. She spent six months in the United States as part of her treatment. The actor, who is now cancer-free, spoke about how the illness changed her life. "I was traumatised when I was diagnosed with cancer at the time, but looking back, I believe it has given me a new perspective on life and a lot of optimism for many things in life."
During an interview, she added, "It also made me realise how important my life and health are to me." In 2018, the actor also published Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life, which included her cancer battle and how it gave her a new life.
Kirron Kher
Kirron Kher was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2021. Anupam Kher updated the public on her health via Instagram. As she remarked, Kirron Kher also opened up about the suffering that one goes through during treatment. "This isn't a good situation to be in. Par yeh zindagi hai, One learns to cope with it and move forward. There is no other option than to treat it. Nobody enjoys going through treatment or dealing with its adverse effects. " Kher also revealed that she worked continuously throughout her cancer treatment.
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