Nearly a decade after receiving a stage 3 cancer diagnosis, Sunita Vinod Dubey from Nagpur now views her life as a profound second chance, dedicated to a larger purpose. Once the owner of a fitness centre with minimal knowledge about cancer, Dubey's transformative journey from initial fear and uncertainty to remarkable strength and dedicated service has established her as one of the city's most active advocates for cancer awareness.
A Life-Altering Diagnosis in 2015
Dubey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 50. Like countless others, the mere mention of the word cancer left her deeply shaken. "I had no idea what kind of cancer it was or what lay ahead. The word itself creates fear and depression," she recalled on Wednesday, coinciding with the observance of World Cancer Day. Her cancer was aggressive and carried a significant risk of recurrence, necessitating an intensive treatment regimen that included long-term medication. The treatment spanned several years, but she emerged from it stronger, both physically and emotionally.
From Personal Struggle to Public Mission
This harrowing experience made Dubey acutely aware of the dangers posed by ignorance surrounding cancer, particularly among women. Shortly after her recovery, she pursued training in psychology to begin counselling. What started as informal conversations with fellow patients quickly evolved into a full-fledged mission. Over the years, she has conducted close to 500 awareness programmes not only in Nagpur but also in rural areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Focus on Early Detection and Education
Her sessions consistently emphasise:
- The critical importance of early detection
- Techniques for self-examination
- Understanding symptoms of breast and cervical cancer
- Breaking the pervasive fear associated with a cancer diagnosis
"Cancer is 100 percent curable if detected early. But once you cross the third stage, options become very limited. Awareness is the only real protection," she asserts with conviction.
Expanding Support Through Collaboration
Dubey now works closely with oncologist Dr Saurabh Prasad, offering free counselling to patients both before and after diagnosis. She provides essential guidance through various stages, including screening, mammography, surgery, treatment decisions, and emotional recovery. In collaboration with medical professionals, she co-founded an NGO dedicated to providing financial support to underprivileged cancer patients. This foundation assists with covering consultation fees, medicines, tests, dressings, and other essentials without any discrimination, supported by regular donation drives.
Community Outreach and Alarming Trends
Her outreach efforts extend to annual pink walks, free mammography camps, and community meetings. Dubey has noted a concerning trend of cancer cases appearing in younger age groups, sometimes affecting women in their 20s. She strongly believes that awareness initiatives must begin at the college level for both girls and boys, as lifestyle-related cancers among men are also on the rise.
A Life of Discipline and Family Support
Now in her 60s, Dubey begins each day at the gym, adheres to a disciplined diet, and maintains an active routine. "Fitness, food and mental strength kept me going," she reflects. Supported by her family—her husband, a daughter, two sons, and grandchildren—Dubey continues to travel extensively, spreading a simple yet powerful message: cancer is not the end, and informed action can save lives.
Stories of Hope and Early Detection on World Cancer Day
On World Cancer Day, stories of resilience and recovery took centre stage as cancer survivors from the Vidarbha region shared their experiences, highlighting the life-saving importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment, and a positive outlook.
Vinayak Deshpande's Journey with Colon Cancer
Vinayak Deshpande from Nagpur was diagnosed with colon cancer during a routine medical check-up at Dr Hedgewar Hospital in Sambhajinagar. Choosing calm over panic, he underwent surgery in Nagpur in 2021 to remove the affected portion of his intestine, followed by multiple cycles of chemotherapy in 2022. Today, Deshpande reports being completely fit and has returned to an active life, including extensive travel. He believes mental strength and faith in treatment play a crucial role in recovery and advises patients not to lose hope after diagnosis.
Devendra Nathuram Devgan's Remarkable Determination
Devendra Nathuram Devgan, a resident of Dharni in Amravati district, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2019–20 during a check-up in Paratwada. After receiving guidance from a private hospital, he underwent surgery and five to seven cycles of chemotherapy. He has since recovered fully and no longer requires medication. Demonstrating extraordinary determination, Devgan travels nearly 112 km on a motorcycle with his wife to Nagpur every three months for follow-up consultations. His message to fellow patients is one of optimism and courage, urging them to live without fear.
The Common Thread of Survival
Both survivors credit their recovery to early detection, disciplined treatment, and consistent medical follow-ups. Their inspiring stories echo the broader message of World Cancer Day: that awareness, regular screening, and timely medical intervention can transform a cancer diagnosis into a narrative of survival and renewed life.
