No one knows what sudden turn life can take. When a journalist who dedicated his life to asking difficult questions of the country and the world learned from a doctor that he had cancer, the whole world momentarily stops.
At a special and touching closing session of the Health Wealth Summit titled "#CANCERSURVIVOR — We Conquered Cancer," renowned journalist Radjdeep Sardesai and senior urologist Dr. Anshuman Agrawal of Apollo Hospital participated.
Radjdeep Sardesai publicly shared for the first time his journey of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from prostate cancer. In this heart-wrenching conversation, important and significant points were voiced for the general public.
Sharing his experience, Radjdeep recounted that in June of last year, after receiving a biopsy, a doctor called him to inform him that the tumor was not benign but represented early-stage, yet highly malignant cancer. His initial reaction was quite unexpected. He was preparing to travel to England to watch the India versus England match at Lord's; his passport and visa were ready.
When he discussed this with his son, who is a doctor, his son reassured him, saying, "Dad, if you were destined to get cancer, then it is the best type of cancer that can be cured." These words gave him much strength. Radjdeep Sardesai noted that the era of Rajesh Kumar films, like in the movie 'Anand,' is in the past. He recalled that in the seventies, when he was growing up, watching the film 'Anand' created the impression that cancer meant immediate death or the end of life. However, the current era is characterized by digital technologies and medical progress.
As soon as he learned about the illness, he began studying concepts such as the 'Gleason score' and the PSA test, and the first question he asked the doctor was about how many weeks it would take him to return to his office and studio.
Dr. Anshuman Agrawal explained that prostate cancer is a common disease among men, which often remains asymptomatic in its early stages. The doctor emphasized that the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test helps detect this threat in time. Dr. Agrawal advised men to undergo regular screenings after the age of 50, and if there were family history of the disease, starting at age 40–50. Radjdeep admitted that he went to the hospital for a scheduled hernia operation, and it was during the blood test and MRI that the cancer was accidentally discovered. He advocated for regular cancer screenings to be mandatory for every person under programs like Ayushman Bharat or insurance plans.
Recalling those five days in the hospital after the surgery, Radjdeep said that to cope with the pain and stress, he only watched comedy films and listened to Kishore Kumar's songs. He stated that life is a journey, and if your attitude is positive, you can overcome any serious illness. He particularly highlighted that while a doctor is a deity to you, your own 'mind over body' is the most powerful weapon for winning this fight.
Speaking about how his perception of life changed after overcoming this difficult period, Radjdeep uttered a very beautiful phrase: "Never take life for granted. Live every moment fully." He expressed special gratitude to his wife, children, friends, and his assistant Surinder Nagar, who supported him every step of the way. He stressed that bank balance or wealth does not matter; true strength lies in the boundless love and support of loved ones.
