World Cancer Day: This is how author Tahira Kashyap battled cancer

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, author Tahira Kashyap, wife of Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, shared a bold and inspiring Instagram post revealing the stitches that she has on her back for the treatment of breast cancer.

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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : February 4, 2019 9:36 PM IST

Tahira Kashyap, wife of Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, was diagnosed with pre-invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma (DCIS) in her right breast last year. It was stage 0 breast cancer and Tahira had revealed about her condition through an Instagram post. But instead of getting bogged down by this fatal disease, Tahira fought breast cancer like a champion. She underwent a mastectomy (removal of the malignant part of her breast) in 2018 along with multiple sessions of chemotherapy to defeat cancer. Though her stage 0 cancer progressed to stage 1 at one point of time, Tahira bounced back to life like a fighter.

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, this 35-year-old author of shared a backless picture of her as an example to all the cancer patients who are fighting this deadly disease across the world. Along with the picture, Tahira also shared a caption emphasising about the importance of eliminating the stigma or taboo related to cancer and the significance of courage in fighting such a challenge.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Btc5zgvAmsV/

The post clearly shows the stitches on her back that she got from the treatment and what she wrote was truly inspiring. "I truly embrace all my scars as they are my badges of honour. There is nothing known as perfect. Happiness lies in truly accepting yourself. This was a tough one for me. But this picture was my decision as I want to celebrate not the disease but the spirit with which I endured," she wrote.

While this post reflects her never-say-die attitude, Tahira's first Instagram post that revealed her condition was equally upbeat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoBcZZ3BZuq/

" There is nothing that human spirit can t do. Also I want women of all ages to be aware. I am 35, and I was returned twice over from a mammogram. If any symptoms come up, think of it as a protective force and get yourselves examined. Also we are so obsessed with boobs. This mastectomy has left me with even more self love!" she wrote.

Tips to keep breast cancer at bay

Try self-examination:

If you want to keep this deadly disease at bay, you should develop a self-examination routine to check the breast area for any lump formation. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, every woman over the age of 20 should perform this test once in a month.

Go for regular check-up:

Even after witnessing symptoms such as pain, fatigue or even coloured discharge or anything which may appear out of the ordinary, most women tend to avoid check-ups which can be dangerous for your health. The test which is recommended for breast cancer is bilateral mammogram.

Visit your doctor:

Women who are over 30 years of age must opt for regular check-ups with your obstetrician-gynaecologist. It not only helps you screen cancer, but protects your reproductive health overall.

Opt for a healthy diet:

Eat smaller amounts of foods more frequently instead of three big ones every day. Also, make sure that you do not gain weight by overeating and increasing your calorie intake.

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