Urvashi Prasad, a former director of NITI Aayog, shared her journey of being diagnosed with ALK-positive adenocarcinoma of the lung in April 2022. This rare form of lung cancer predominantly affects non-smokers, especially women of South Asian and Southeast Asian descent. Urvashi’s diagnosis came as a shock, as she was in her mid-thirties and had never heard of this type of cancer before. The lack of awareness and understanding about ALK-positive cancer makes it challenging to detect early, often leading to diagnosis at stage four when the cancer has already spread significantly.
One of the unique aspects of ALK-positive cancer is that it requires targeted oral drugs for treatment, as traditional chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery are not effective. However, the cancer can develop resistance to these drugs, limiting treatment options for patients. Urvashi highlighted the side effects of the medications, including increased cholesterol levels, weight gain, fluid retention, joint issues, and neurological effects. Despite these challenges, she continues to lead an active life, engaging in work, public engagements, writing, and dancing.
Urvashi emphasized the importance of raising awareness about ALK-positive cancer and breaking the stigma associated with cancer treatment. She candidly shares her experiences on social media and other platforms to educate people about the disease and advocate for holistic cancer care. She believes that oncology should encompass not only medical treatment but also address the mental, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of cancer patients’ lives. Urvashi’s journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to navigate a prolonged health crisis and the importance of support from friends and family during such challenging times.
