Cancer is one of those words that strike fear in people’s heart. Most people when diagnosed with cancer lose hope and surrender to the disease. While there are others who accept the challenge and don’t let cancer scare them.
Here are some extraordinary tales of those who fought cancer and won their battle with their upbeat attitude.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh is one of the most celebrated cricketers in India. It was his heroism that led India to glory in ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC World Twenty20 2007. Yuvraj faced the biggest challenge of his life when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left lung. The cancer required a two-and-a-half month treatment. Soon after the treatment, he started training and working on his fitness. He made a successful comeback to the Indian cricket team. He’s been active on the field and also wrote a book about his struggle with cancer – The Test of My Life.
(Image:firstpost.com)
Angelina Jolie
It was Angelina Jolie who received public attention after revealing that she had had a preventive double mastectomy. She had inherited a faulty copy of a gene that put her at high risk for breast cancer. She drew praise and was applauded for the revelation to spread breast cancer awareness.
(Image:guimcouk)
Manisha Koirala
The story of Manisha Koirala’s fight against cancer is enduring and no less than an inspiration. The Bollywood actress was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 42 years. She boldly posted her bald pictures during chemotherapy, not shying from the hair loss during treatment. With the help of her celebrity status, Manisha inspired and spread hope for those affected by cancer.
(Image:healthydunia)
Robert De Niro
The encounter of one of the greatest American actors of all time, Robert De Niro, is not known to many people. The two-time Academy Award winner was diagnosed with early stages of prostate cancer. De Niro, much like his movies, was strong in his struggle with cancer and came out as a winner.
(Image:latimes.com)
Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong can be proud of his racing victories, but not more than his victory over cancer. A seven-time winner of the Tour de France, the cyclist had cancer that spread to his lungs and brain after starting in the testicles. Lance Armstrong beat all the odds and made a stronger return to his cycling career. He has helped many people fight the disease through his advocacy work, awareness campaigns with a simple wristband called ‘Livestrong’.
(Image:News.com.au)
Anurag Basu
Anurag Basu is a highly acclaimed Indian film director who gave us films like Barfi. He fought an acute promyelocytic Leukemia (a type of blood cancer) in the year 2004, which he was diagnosed with during the filming of a movie. He stayed strong and completed the film during the course of treatment which went on for three years.
(Image:ndtv.com)
Geoff Boycott
Geoff Boycott is counted among the greatest in the history of English cricket. Now a famous cricket commentator, Geoff Boycott was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002. The former England cricket captain underwent 35 sessions of radiotherapy to get rid of the tumours. Soon after his treatment, Boycott made a comeback behind the mic.
It was the victory over cancer which made them stronger. All of these bravehearts had one thing in common – they never let cancer take control of their lives.
Read more articles on Cancer.