cancer diagnosis can be debilitating. The inherently challenging physio-psychological nature of the disease and the burden of its treatment can be quite frightening. The myths and misconceptions surrounding prognosis and disease-free or progression-free survival rates only add to a patient’s concerns.

The biology of the cancer determines the course of its treatment. However, catching it early and prompt treatment improve the chances of survival and a cancer-free life exponentially. Not all cancers require the same line of treatment. Today, from chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted immune-therapies to oral treatments, several options are available depending on the location, type and stage of the disease.

One can survive cancer. Here we share some accounts by patients to show that the behemoth of a disease can be fought and overcome with minimal scarring.

Sajida, 57

“I distinctly remember the grey November day in 2004, when I discovered a lump on the right side. Fear kicked in. I knew my six-month-old needed me. So, I called a friend who worked in the health sector. An appointment was made for the next week. The diagnosis was confirmed after a series of tests. I had second-stage breast cancer.

“Leaving the doctor’s appointment, a sense of doom spread all over. I was afraid for my life and for my child’s future. The prognosis was not grim; I’d survive, suggested the doctor. But the fear was palpable.

“As I walked towards the car, eyes filled with tears, I remember my friend saying, “You will live; your child will grow up in front of your eyes and all will be well. Let’s go and have a good meal.” How could she tell me to eat at a time when my insides were twisted with fear, I thought. As we sat to eat, she said in a calm, even tone, “You will need strength to fight cancer. Your treatment (surgery followed by chemotherapy) will make you nauseous and weak, and you will lose your hair. But it will save you. There is no room for fear; the prognosis is promising. We are all here to support you through this entirely.” And she did.

“In January 2005, I underwent a radical unilateral mastectomy. My family and friends supported me throughout my treatment. I have been cancer-free for nearly two decades now. For the first ten years, I received annual reassessments; now I visit the hospital voluntarily.

“However, as someone whose breast tissue and lymph nodes were removed, I have to consistently care for my arm, as fluid can collect in the tissues.”

Bilqees, 49

“We have a history of cancer in our family. My father was diagnosed with late-stage gastric cancer in his early fifties and died shortly after. At 17, I had seen his pain. He was receiving treatment at one of Lahore’s major public hospitals before his passing. My elder sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 30s. Timely intervention and proper treatment saved her life. In her early fifties now, she has been cancer-free for over a decade.

“I have been cancer-free for nearly two decades now, but for the first ten years, I received annual reassessments. Now I visit the hospital voluntarily,” says Sajida.

“I moved to Karachi after marriage. Here, during a check-up, the doctor suggested I should regularly check for lumps in my breast and should be put on a cancer watch as I had a strong family history of the disease.

“A few years down the lane, during a voluntary, annual mammography, cancer was found in my left breast. We had caught it early. Even though several treatment options were laid out, I decided on a unilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy.

“I have been cancer-free for almost four years now. During this time, we had another scare, as a fibroid was found in my uterus, luckily no malignancy was found upon biopsy. I had a total hysterectomy.”

Asifa*, 63

“I’m on tamoxifen [a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medication used to treat breast cancer in men and women and as a prophylactic agent against breast cancer in women] post-surgery.

“I felt a lump and had an inverted nipple. Having worked as an office aide in a local hospital’s oncology ward, I had heard and seen patients come in complaining of lumps. Nipple inversion, I did not know, was a symptom too.

“Having retired a year prior to my diagnosis, I was still friends with most of the staff in the department. The head of oncology was especially kind. I called the doctor and they informed me that I needed a breast ultrasound and mammography.

“What would have happened if I had ignored that lump? You see, I don’t have any children, or anyone else I could rely on. It is a major relief that after the removal of the lump (partial mastectomy) I did not need chemotherapy. The drains that were put in to remove the excess fluid that collects post-surgery were a bit difficult to manage as I live alone. Still, as soon as the doctors told me that I only had to take oral medications to prevent recurrence, I felt a deep sense of relief. Every month, without fail, I visit the hospital to collect my medicines. Government hospitals are not the most efficient; but, at least, I get a few of my medicines for free. The rest I purchase.”

Saira*, 34 (a caregiver)

“My husband has been diagnosed with third-stage breast cancer. Few people know that men can get breast cancer, which is why the diagnosis was difficult to accept when we found out.

He had an inverted nipple and a lump. He ignored it. Men are not screened for breast cancer or encouraged to check for any changes in their breasts and surrounding tissue.

“Overall cancer awareness has improved, but when it comes to breast cancer in men, there is none.

“When your spouse has cancer, it is not just their burden. You are sharing many of the same emotions and concerns.

“This disease challenges you to find constructive ways of warding off the threats posed by the side effects of its treatments. We are still in the process of mapping out a treatment course. I hope he finds reassurance and comfort knowing he has my unwavering support.

“The fear cancer holds is real. Disease prognosis and medical treatments are mentally and physically challenging. The concern of recurrence often looms over survivors.

“The impact of a cancer diagnosis must never be trivialised. However, it must also be recognised that through disease awareness, timely diagnosis and advancements in treatment, cancer can be beaten and survival ensured.”

* Some names have been changed to protect identities

The writer is a staff member