Yuvraj Singh to Mamta Mohandas, inspiring stories of survival

Today is World Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring hope for those affected by the disease. Across the world, many individuals have faced and overcome cancer, turning their battles into powerful stories of resilience. From film stars to sports icons, their journeys serve as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to fight back.

Mamta Mohandas: A Battle Against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Malayalam actress Mamta Mohandas has faced one of the toughest battles of her life—Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymph nodes. First diagnosed in 2009, she was forced to take a break from films and underwent extensive treatment. However, her struggle didn’t end there. In 2013, after a bone marrow transplant failed, she suffered a relapse.

Determined to fight back, she became part of a clinical trial in the US in 2016. The trial focused on nivolumab (Opdivo), a drug that received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating relapsed classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With her condition now under control, Mamta has returned to the screen.

Gautami Tadimalla: Raising Awareness Through Experience
Actress Gautami Tadimalla was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 35. Her fight was long and challenging, but she eventually recovered. Today, she is actively involved in cancer awareness initiatives through her ‘Life Again Foundation.’

Recently, her former partner, actor Kamal Haasan, revealed how they both shaved their heads to help their then-five-year-old daughter cope with her mother’s condition. Gautami has also reached out to cancer survivors and patients, encouraging them to share their stories on social media.

Manisha Koirala: A New Lease on Life
A recipient of four Filmfare Awards, Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. She underwent six months of treatment in the US before emerging cancer-free in 2015. Since then, she has returned to the film industry and become a strong advocate for healthy food and lifestyle habits. She has shared her journey on multiple platforms, hoping to inspire others facing similar battles.

Yuvraj Singh: Conquering Cancer, One Six at a Time
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh shocked the nation when he announced in 2012 that he had been diagnosed with mediastinal seminoma, a rare germ-cell tumour located between his lungs. Despite the challenges, he underwent treatment in the US and kept fans updated through social media.

After an arduous recovery process, Yuvraj returned to cricket and went on to write The Test of My Life, a book detailing his battle with cancer. In 2016, he married actress Hazel Keech, proving that life after cancer can still be fulfilling and successful.

Anurag Basu: Filmmaking from a Hospital Bed
Director Anurag Basu was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, in 2004. Doctors reportedly gave him only a 50% chance of survival. Undeterred, he continued working, writing scripts and even directing parts of Tumsa Nahi Dekha from his hospital bed.

Despite his struggles, Basu has remained a prominent figure in Bollywood. He later directed Jagga Jasoos, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, and frequently appears as a judge on television reality shows.

Lisa Ray: Spreading Hope Through Advocacy
Lisa Ray, best known for her role in Water, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer, in 2009. She documented her treatment journey through her blog, The Yellow Diaries, and shared images of her shaved head.

Following a successful stem cell transplant in 2010, she announced that she was cancer-free. However, as multiple myeloma is incurable, she continues to manage her health with a strict diet and lifestyle. She actively raises awareness and funds for cancer research and has even chronicled her journey through a unique saree collection, ‘Ray of Hope.’

Hugh Jackman: A Hollywood Star’s Ongoing Fight
Actor Hugh Jackman has been vocal about his struggle with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. First diagnosed in 2013, he has undergone multiple surgeries to remove cancerous cells from his face. Despite these health concerns, Jackman remains active in Hollywood.

Barbara Mori: A Bollywood Debut and a Cancer Battle
Uruguayan-born Mexican actress Barbara Mori, who starred in Kites alongside Hrithik Roshan, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in its early stages in 2009. A year later, she appeared in 1 a Minute, a documentary featuring fellow cancer survivors like Lisa Ray and Mumtaz. Mori hopes her story will encourage women to prioritise their health and undergo regular medical check-ups.

Lance Armstrong: A Champion’s Rise and Fall
Cycling legend Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer in 1996 at just 25 years old. The cancer had already spread to his brain, lungs, and abdomen. Fortunately, testicular cancer is highly responsive to chemotherapy, and Armstrong successfully overcame the disease.

His triumphant return saw him win seven consecutive Tour de France titles, but his legacy was later tainted by a doping scandal. In 2012, he was stripped of his titles and resigned from his non-profit Livestrong Foundation, which had been a leader in cancer awareness efforts.

On World Cancer Day, these stories serve as reminders of the resilience and courage displayed by those who have battled the disease. Whether through raising awareness, advocating for research, or inspiring others, these survivors have turned their struggles into a beacon of hope for many.