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World Cancer Day: ‘I was sleeping only for 4-5 hours and stressed’-The people left from cancer share their journey of diagnosis in their 30s.Reality of Chemotherapy: ‘One day I felt fine, I could not move next’Conflict: low immunity, loss of taste, extreme fatigueEmotional toll: ‘We do not need sympathy, we need sympathy’
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World Cancer Day: ‘I was sleeping only for 4-5 hours and stressed’-The people left from cancer share their journey of diagnosis in their 30s.
In the last decade, a shocking growth in the diagnosis of cancer among young adults has emerged as a trend with the burning of midnight oil with youngsters, with lack of sleep and stress pushed them into survival mode , From which we are also missing a clear warning signs. On World Cancer Day, we talk about that we often ignore our body the most.

Image Credit: ISTock-Repremesentational
With the irregular lifestyles, high-tail levels, poor sleep and environmental triggers in sports, more people are facing life-changing diagnosis in their 30s and 40s. On this World Cancer DayWe bring you the story of Neha Dhingra, who were detected Stage 2 breast cancer in the late 30s. She is now cancer-free, but her journey from detection to recovery was filled with unexpected lessons and challenges. Remind her to ‘listen to your body carefully’.
Neha’s cancer story began in the most unexpected manner – carefully. “One day, I was meditating when I suddenly found something strange. I checked myself and found a lumpy knot in my breast. It was a shock, “she remembers. Like many young women, she was initially in mistrust. “I was relaxed for a while, thinking that I was very serious. But then I decided to listen and check my body. ,
His instinct turned out to be correct. A biopsy confirmed this- stage 2 breast cancer. “When I shared the news with my family, everyone reacted differently. There were suggestions, comments, concerns. Cancer is still a taboo, and for a woman, the complexity is even more. ,
Neha’s initial response was one of the shock, but she quickly infected in action mode. “On diagnosis, my doctors suggested a mastectomy to remove cancer cells. The idea of losing a part of my body was difficult. I had a lot of questions – how will it happen after life? Would I still be desirable? I reminded myself, ‘Angelina Jolie time,’ and was mentally prepared for surgery. ,
However, a second medical opinion at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute led a separate approach. “My doctors prepared a non-invasive treatment plan that worked well. But I was mentally prepared for the worst. So, when I realized that I would not need mastectomy, I was relieved. ,
Reality of Chemotherapy: ‘One day I felt fine, I could not move next’
Chemotherapy came with her set of wonder. “After my first chemos session, I liked surprisingly. I talked to my friends, walked around, and enjoyed myself. But the next morning, I woke up with unbearable body pain – even my fingers hurt. I found emotional and physically delicate, because the whole weight of my diagnosis hit me. ,
Neha learned to listen to her body. “The answer was no answer. I had to rest when my body demanded it. ,
Conflict: low immunity, loss of taste, extreme fatigue
One of the biggest challenges during treatment was a dangerously low white blood cell count, falling to just 500. “I had no immunity, there were no taste buds due to chemo, and even getting out of bed felt like a fight. A simple 10 meter walk distance dried me.”
Turning back, she believes that her lifestyle contributed to her position before diagnosis. “I was sleeping only 4-5 hours at night, insisted all the time, and completely ignored my body signs.”
Emotional toll: ‘We do not need sympathy, we need sympathy’
Beyond physical conflicts, dealing with people’s reactions was also a challenge. “Do close relatives fail to understand that cancer patients do not need sympathy. We already know how weak and disable we feel. What we want is sympathy. Instead of saying this, ‘Hey Bicherry, Kis Ki Ki,’ It would have been more helpful if someone asked, ‘What will you eat today?’ ,
Throughout her treatment, Neha had one thing to have a ground. “With all drainage ideas and physical weakness, meditation helped me control my mind. This kept my blood pressure stable, helped me breathe better, and gave me clarity. Pranayama, breathing practice, and positive thinking became my tool for existence. ,
In December 2024, Neha’s scan returned a year after her diagnosis in May 2023. “Hearing that I was cancer-free, he was real. This journey was long and tired, but I became stronger.”
She now urges young adults to be careful about her health. “Listen to your body. Do not ignore persistent fatigue, stress or abnormal symptoms. You can save your life by early detection. ,
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