Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide claiming nearly 10 million lives every year, says a study by the World Health Organisation. No wonder, each of us now suffer from fear of getting cancer. The reports claiming how certain environmental factors also cause cancer only added to the concerns. The possibilities of painful treatments, loss of hair, spread of the cancer germs and the eventual death are what give us sleepless nights.
But there is a need to understand that getting cancer is not the end of the world. No doubt it is a dreaded disease but there are many who have emerged winners in their war against cancer. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, actors Lisa Ray and Sonali Bendre are a few examples.
Ahead of World Cancer Day, Sunday POST presents the stories of such valiant warriors who have come out victorious in their battle against cancer. In a candid discussion, they share how cancer is no longer a frightening and life-threatening disease for them.
Bijoylaxmi Kar
Bhubaneswar-based Bijoylaxmi Kar was more than happy with her life as a business woman and a social worker. She went for a blood test July 21, 2008 after unexplained weight loss of 12 kilos. She was also feeling weak and experiencing pain in her abdomen. It was then that the doctor advised her to go for an ultrasound and some other screenings. She was crestfallen when learnt that she was already in the second stage of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. By the time it was detected, Bijoylaxmi had already adopted a special child to shape his future.
“I never expected it. I was shocked because I never neglected my health and used to work out regularly. So, I was badly affected by this development. Since that day I have been undergoing treatment under oncologist Dillip Agarwal of Acharya Harihara Cancer Research Centre, Cuttack. I was told that I had just two years to live. But surprisingly, I have been leading a normal life for the last 12 years without undergoing bone marrow transplantation which is mandatory to extend one’s life span in such cases. I sternly believe the secret behind my extended life is my positive approach towards life and disciplined lifestyle.” 
The Managing Director of Aarati Finances, continues: “It’s a never-ending battle. But, early detection, awareness and positive attitude matters a lot. I am able to survive just because I got the support and co-operation from everybody around me. I cannot say I am cured completely but I am certainly a survivor. I am still undergoing chemotherapy. It is not just cancer, any person suffering from other critical illnesses can also survive if he or she has a strong will power.”
Rajeswari Ray Mohapatra
Known for playing antagonists in many mega soaps, Rajeshwari Ray Mohaptra has stopped looking at cancer as a disease. She says it is a blessing. Like others, it was hard for her to accept that she had stage IV lung and brain cancer that spread to brain in April 2019. But she gathered herself and embraced the reality. Notwithstanding her physical anguish, she decided to live in moments and enjoy the spirit of life till she was alive.
“Instead of wasting my energy to find out why it happened to me, I accepted the reality and developed a will power to recover. I am fortunate to have got the support of my doctor, husband, parents, friends, relatives and fans. They stood by me like rocks and helped me face the harsh realities of life.”
Her mother’s death in cancer had made her tough. So, she prefers to fight her battle wearing a smile all the time.
She believes she will become disease free one day and lead a normal life.
Rajeswari says, “I never consider myself a patient. When I was diagnosed with cancer, channel which airing TV serial To Pain Mu did not drop me. He waited for five months so that I could resume the shoot. However, I couldn’t due to some medical restrictions after getting discharged from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. I believe in the power of ‘prayers’ and have complete faith in Lord Jagannath. Despite battling the end stage of cancer, I am doing well because of my faith in the Almighty and cooperation of my family members,” says the actress who is preparing herself to face the camera again.
On her message for the people living with cancer, she says, “We shouldn’t panic, come what may. All we need is a positive approach, strong will power to survive and believe in the miraculous power of God to beat the disease.”
Soumya Sarkar
Berhampur-based naturopath consultant Soumya Sarkar had developed a tumor in her left breast. She thought it could be cured through naturopathy but she remained so busy with her works that she could not take care of her health properly. In January 2020 she went for a medical check-up and found suffering from the stage III breast cancer. It was her doctor who made her believe that with the right treatment, breast cancer is not only treatable, it can also be cured. She trusted the doctor.
“I started taking medicine with a positive mindset. Those months were extremely challenging, not only physically but emotionally as well. I gathered courage to fight the battle. I had a surgery in mid January which was followed by chemotherapy and rounds of radiation sessions. Initial cycles of chemotherapy were difficult as the body takes time to adjust to the side effects, but I was mentally strong, and carried on the battle. My doctor counseled me well. By God’s grace, I am 90 per cent cured now.”
Her message to the cancer victims is not to be afraid of the disease and consult the best cancer specialist after viewing their profiles as soon as possible.
Amarjeet Mohanty
Amarjeet Mohanty (26), a businessman from Puri, was an engineering student in his final year when he got the disease in 2014. It was tough for him to believe when he was diagnosed with primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor. After undergoing treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital for some months, he returned to Odisha and underwent chemotherapy at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. There, oncologist Saroj Das changed his perception towards cancer. After four years when he was leading a normal life, he had a relapse.
“When I was again diagnosed with cancer, I had almost lost all hopes. But Saroj sir’s solid assurance made me believe that I can lead a normal life again. I had to quit my job so that I could take care of my health. My strong desire to beat cancer and support from the doctor did miracle. I am free from cancer now.”
In 2020, he had one more relapse during the lockdown. But with the support from Dr Saroj Das and his family members, Amarjeet won the battle again.
“I am completely cured now but take medication every two months. Saroj sir is like the messenger of God for me.”
His message for the cancer patients is “Life is uncertain. So, live in the present and enjoy your life to the fullest. Don’t be hopeless. Always have a positive approach to beat any sort of battle in life.”
