NEW DELHI: Observed every year on February 4, World Cancer Day is a global initiative that brings attention to cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and equitable care. It reinforces a crucial message: many cancers are preventable, and early diagnosis can dramatically improve survival.
In India, cancer is no longer seen only as a disease driven by genetics or chance. Rapid lifestyle changes—sedentary routines, rising obesity, processed diets, alcohol consumption, environmental stressors, and disrupted sleep—are increasingly linked to cancers such as breast, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, India recorded over 1.3 million new cancer cases, a number projected to rise steadily in the coming decade.
Against this backdrop, several Indian actresses have spoken openly about their cancer journeys—breaking stigma, encouraging screening, and reminding the country that early detection and resilience can save lives.
MANISHA KOIRALA
Veteran actor Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in 2012, a diagnosis that came as a shock at the peak of her career. She underwent extensive treatment in the United States and was declared cancer-free in 2015. Since then, Koirala has not only returned to acting but has also become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness, mental health, and self-care. Her journey highlighted the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking timely medical help.
MAHIMA CHAUDHRY
Actor Mahima Chaudhry was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 during a routine medical check-up—underscoring the importance of regular screening. Speaking publicly about her experience, she stressed that cancer often shows no early symptoms and can only be detected through tests. After undergoing treatment, she is now cancer-free and actively uses her platform to encourage women to prioritize preventive health check-ups.
SONALI BENDRE BEHL
In 2018, Sonali Bendre Behl revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer, a disclosure that resonated widely. Throughout her treatment, she documented her journey with honesty and vulnerability, challenging beauty norms and speaking openly about hair loss, body image, and emotional healing. Sonali’s story became a powerful reminder that cancer treatment is not just physical—it is deeply psychological—and that self-acceptance is part of recovery.
TAHIRA KASHYAP
Filmmaker and author Tahira Kashyap, wife of actor Ayushmann Khurrana, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and declared cancer-free in 2020. Her candid essays and social media posts brought raw, unfiltered conversations about fear, recurrence anxiety, and survival into the public domain. In April 2025, Tahira revealed that her cancer had relapsed, once again highlighting the unpredictable nature of the disease and the importance of long-term follow-up and emotional resilience.
HINA KHAN
Television star Hina Khan revealed in 2024 that she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, a disclosure that sparked widespread conversations around early detection and emotional resilience. Known for her candid social media updates, Hina shared glimpses of her chemotherapy sessions, hair loss, and moments of vulnerability, choosing transparency over silence. Her openness helped normalise conversations around cancer in younger women and reinforced the importance of timely diagnosis, mental strength, and community support during treatment.
WHY THESE STORIES MATTER
These actresses have helped change the narrative around cancer in India—from fear and silence to awareness and action. Their experiences echo medical evidence that up to 30–40 per cent of cancers are preventable through healthier lifestyles, early screening, and timely intervention.
This World Cancer Day, their stories serve as a reminder that cancer is not just a medical condition—it is a human experience. Awareness, prevention, and early detection, combined with empathy and support, remain India’s strongest tools in the fight against the disease.