World Cancer Day is annually observed on February 4 to spread awareness, bring change and reduce the stigma related to the disease. Cancer is the second leading cause of global death. This international day is a ‘global uniting initiative’ led by the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) and is meant to encourage the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer as early as possible.
This theme signifies that every action matters to battle the fatal disease. "This year is a reminder of our enduring power of cooperation and collective action. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we call wish for: A healthier, brighter world without cancer. Together, all of our actions matter," read a statement on the official website of World Cancer Day.
Apart from entertaining us, Bollywood actors have also inspired us in many ways. There have been many celebrities who have fought cancer courageously and came out victorious while few succumbed to it. On the occasion of World Cancer Day have a look at a few celebs who were disguised with cancer.
Sanjay Dutt - Lung Cancer
The 61-year-old actor was diagnosed with cancer in August 2020 and went to the US for treatment. The actor, after two months, announced that he’s successfully defeated the disease.
"Hi friends, I am taking a short break from work for some medical treatment. My family and friends are with me and I urge my well-wishers not to worry or unnecessarily speculate. With your love and good wishes, I will be back soon," he tweeted.
Dutt Tweeted today on cancer Day
Tahira Kashyap - Breast cancer
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife was diagnosed with 'stage 0' cancer in 2018 and underwent a mastectomy procedure. She posted images of her scars and bald head, writing a hopeful message for women who have gone through the same experience.
View this post on Instagram
Sonali Bendre - metastatic cancer
In July 2018, Bollywood 90s beauty was diagnosed with metastatic cancer and went through five-month-long treatment in the US. The actress gave a tough fight to the disease and inspired many with the light of hope.
Sonali tweeted, "There's no one way to tell how our experiences change us or shape us. Not all transformations are visible. What I've learnt is to never let it hold me back. I'd rather dress up and show up!"
Manisha Koirala - Ovarian cancer
The Nepali beauty was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2012 and won a battle against the disease after getting treatment and surgery in New York. She has also written about her experience in a memoir, Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life.
Manisha also shared images of her journey on her social media profile where in a collage image she’s seen lying on a hospital bed and another standing tall surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
She captioned the image - "Forever grateful for a second chance to live. GM friends.. this is an amazing life and a chance to live a happy & healthy one (sic)."
Irrfan Khan- Neuroendocrine Cancer
Irrfan Khan in 2019 revealed that had been diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. The most loved actor’s revelation was a shock for his fans across the world.
“It’s been quite some time now since I have been diagnosed with high-grade neuroendocrine cancer. This new name in my vocabulary, I got to know, was rare, and due to fewer study cases, and less information comparatively, the unpredictability of the treatment was more. I was part of a trial-and-error game, the actor stated revealing his disease.
However, after fighting the disease with a smile on his face Irrfan breathed his last on April 28, 2020, due to colon infection, making everyone in the country.
Anurag Basu - Blood cancer
Director Anurag Basu in 2004, suffered from acute promyelocytic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. Although the doctors said his chances of survival were 50%, Anurag did not give up and he continued writing scripts and completed the film from Hospital bed.
Rishi Kapoor - leukaemia
Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of blood cancer in 2018. He was receiving treatment in New York and returned home in 2019. However, Rishi died on April 30, 2020, keeping a void in the film industry.
Also Read: World Cancer Day 2021: this years theme, history, significance