Veteran actress Nafisa Ali, known for her memorable performances in cinema, recently spoke with The Quint about the harrowing journey she faced due to medical negligence. Battling peritoneal and ovarian cancer, she recounted how a series of misdiagnoses and inconclusive treatments delayed her proper diagnosis, allowing the disease to advance.
Early Signs And Medical Negligence
In 2018, while living in Goa, Nafisa maintained a routine of long beach walks. Gradually, she began experiencing unusual fatigue and persistent pain. Despite undergoing numerous tests, including ultrasounds and rounds of antibiotics, doctors failed to pinpoint the cause. It was only when another physician reviewed her reports and noticed abnormal swelling in her peritoneum that the seriousness of her condition came to light. A radiologist confirmed her fears, and by then, the cancer had already spread.
A Misplaced Bet on Tuberculosis
Nafisa revealed that one of her doctors initially suspected tuberculosis instead of cancer. In desperation, she jokingly wagered a symbolic five-rupee bet, saying she would rather it be TB since it could be cured in months. However, a PET scan later confirmed the devastating truth—cancer had metastasized. This marked the beginning of her long battle.
“When the reports came in, they had no words. I had bet them it wasn’t TB—I took Rs 5 from each of them. They were upset, but I told them, ‘It’s okay. I’ll beat this," she reminisced.
Accepting the Diagnosis
Speaking about her emotional state, Nafisa admitted she was in denial at first. Reality struck her only after the first round of chemotherapy. Twelve days later, when she ran her fingers through her hair and clumps fell out, she broke down, finally acknowledging the gravity of her illness. That moment made her truly accept she was living with cancer.
Cancer’s Return and Spreading
Seven years after her initial diagnosis, the actress disclosed that the disease had returned, this time spreading to her liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Despite this setback, she has continued treatment and remains vocal about creating awareness.
Appeal for Early Testing
Nafisa strongly urged people to be proactive about their health. She highlighted the importance of cancer marker tests such as CA 125, which costs around Rs 1,200 and can help in early detection. She criticized the medical system for not suggesting affordable options, pointing out that she was directed to a costly PET scan instead.
Urging fans to take charge of their health, she said, "Now I tell people that there are things to demand from your doctor. Your body knows; listen to it. There are cancer marker tests for liver and pancreas—demand it from your doctors…”
A Career Beyond Illness
While her health battles continue, Nafisa’s legacy in cinema remains notable. She began her film journey with Junoon (1979) and was last seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in Uunchai.
Early Signs And Medical Negligence
In 2018, while living in Goa, Nafisa maintained a routine of long beach walks. Gradually, she began experiencing unusual fatigue and persistent pain. Despite undergoing numerous tests, including ultrasounds and rounds of antibiotics, doctors failed to pinpoint the cause. It was only when another physician reviewed her reports and noticed abnormal swelling in her peritoneum that the seriousness of her condition came to light. A radiologist confirmed her fears, and by then, the cancer had already spread.
A Misplaced Bet on Tuberculosis
Nafisa revealed that one of her doctors initially suspected tuberculosis instead of cancer. In desperation, she jokingly wagered a symbolic five-rupee bet, saying she would rather it be TB since it could be cured in months. However, a PET scan later confirmed the devastating truth—cancer had metastasized. This marked the beginning of her long battle.
“When the reports came in, they had no words. I had bet them it wasn’t TB—I took Rs 5 from each of them. They were upset, but I told them, ‘It’s okay. I’ll beat this," she reminisced.
Accepting the Diagnosis
Speaking about her emotional state, Nafisa admitted she was in denial at first. Reality struck her only after the first round of chemotherapy. Twelve days later, when she ran her fingers through her hair and clumps fell out, she broke down, finally acknowledging the gravity of her illness. That moment made her truly accept she was living with cancer.
Cancer’s Return and Spreading
Seven years after her initial diagnosis, the actress disclosed that the disease had returned, this time spreading to her liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Despite this setback, she has continued treatment and remains vocal about creating awareness.
Appeal for Early Testing
Nafisa strongly urged people to be proactive about their health. She highlighted the importance of cancer marker tests such as CA 125, which costs around Rs 1,200 and can help in early detection. She criticized the medical system for not suggesting affordable options, pointing out that she was directed to a costly PET scan instead.
Urging fans to take charge of their health, she said, "Now I tell people that there are things to demand from your doctor. Your body knows; listen to it. There are cancer marker tests for liver and pancreas—demand it from your doctors…”
A Career Beyond Illness
While her health battles continue, Nafisa’s legacy in cinema remains notable. She began her film journey with Junoon (1979) and was last seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in Uunchai.
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