Sonali Bendre Behl and Tahira Kashyap talk about not succumbing to fear and winning the battle no matter how tough on World Cancer Day
Just the mere mention of the ‘C’ word brings dread in the hearts of anyone who hears it,” said actress Sonali Bendre Behl, who recently underwent a treatment for metastatic cancer, on the ocassion of World Cancer Day. She added, “We fear it so much that we’d rather not talk about it, which is why it’s important to have a day where we pull out the band aid and help us deal with this disease. I was scared too, but soon realised that burying my head in the sand was not the way to deal with it.”
She took to Instagram to share her way of dealing with the disease.
According to the Sarfarosh actress, there is more to cancer “than being emotional or weak or even being called a fighter or a survivor.”
“It requires you to study it, find out what works for you and to be diligent about your treatment. It requires days of strongly believing in oneself, of knowing that tomorrow will be better than today. It is not a fight against negative thoughts,” she added.
Filmmaker Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, who is also battling cancer, urged people not to be “afraid” of the disease.
Tahira, wife of actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana, urged society to end the stigma associated with cancer.
She said, “I hope each one of us celebrates this day in an embracing way. That we remove any stigma or taboo associated with it. That we spread awareness about it and that we have self-love no matter what.”
She also shared a photograph on social media which showed the scar on her back of the surgery she underwent for removal of her breast.
Tahira was detected last year with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in her right breast with high grade malignant cells.
Explaining the idea behind the photograph of her bare back, she said: “These scars are my badges of honour. It was tough but this picture was my decision as I want to celebrate not the disease but the spirit with which I endured.”
Sacred Games star Kubbra Sait is also pitching in to spread awareness about the disease.
“I feel public figures should come forward and associate with NGOs to spread and create more awareness about this dreaded disease among the people, especially the youth,” Kubbra said.
CityLights actress Patralekhaa is lending her support to an NGO to raise funds for cancer patients, and feels it is important to spread awareness about the disease.
“Besides doing our bit for the cancer patients, I honestly feel we should also address the cause as a serious issue,” Patralekhaa said.
“Most of the stories that we get to hear or read are incredibly heart-wrenching. I feel active participation will really work wonders,” she added.
The actress lent her support by planning a visit to a Bandra-based NGO to meet and interact with cancer patients in an attempt to raise funds for them.
According to a source, Patralekhaa “intends to work closely with cancer patients and strive to spread awareness about the health risks, urging people to take care of their health and avoid things that increase the risk of cancer.”