Rajshri Deshpande Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Actor Rajshri Deshpande has revealed that she has been diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, a grade 1 form of breast cancer. The actor shared that the condition was detected during a routine medical check-up.

Speaking about the diagnosis, Deshpande said the illness was discovered after doctors identified a lesion during a health screening. She later underwent additional tests to confirm the condition.

Diagnosis After Medical Tests

According to Deshpande, the issue was first noticed during a routine examination. She then travelled from Aurangabad to Mumbai for further medical evaluation.

Doctors advised additional tests, including a sonography and a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of breast cancer.

The actor said the disease was detected early, allowing doctors to begin treatment and monitoring promptly.

Talking About the Taboo Around Cancer

Deshpande also spoke about how cancer is still viewed with fear and stigma in many communities.

She said that when she informed people about her diagnosis, some reacted as if the situation was immediately life-threatening.

“The word cancer is still treated as a taboo. People often send condolence-type messages,” she said, adding that advances in medical care mean early detection can make treatment more effective.

Importance of Regular Health Check-ups

The actor said her experience made her realise that many women, including those in her own circle, had never undergone routine breast examinations.

She emphasised that women above the age of 35 should consider regular breast screenings, including mammograms and other diagnostic tests, as recommended by doctors.

Deshpande also expressed concern about access to medical facilities in rural areas, where women may find it difficult to undergo regular health screenings.

Using Personal Experience to Raise Awareness

The actor said she plans to organise breast cancer awareness initiatives in the coming weeks to encourage early detection and better awareness about the disease.

“As an actor, I use my pain for my art. In the same way, I want to use this experience to create awareness,” she said.

Message Ahead of Women’s Day

With International Women’s Day approaching, Deshpande suggested a different kind of gift for women.

She encouraged people to support the health of women in their families by helping them access preventive screenings such as sonography, pap smear tests, and mammograms.

Health experts widely recommend regular screening as one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.