Arjun Sen was just 32 when he was diagnosed with cancer, a disease the mention of which sends shivers down the spine. His world seemed to collapse when the doctors told him that he only had 100 days to live. But, Arjun changed the course of future and emerged a winner inspiring not just his friends and family members but also everyone who read his story.
In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Arjun has revealed how he gathered strength to beat the disease that seems invincible. He told the media outlet that a conversation with his daughter changed his life.
“I was only 32 when in the middle of my meeting, I started puking blood. When I rushed to the hospital, my entire world came crashing down. One moment, I was being handed promotions at my job & the next, my medical reports read, ‘Cancer.’ Doctors said, ‘Arjun, you have less than 100 days to live.’ 100 days–that’s it. Just a day before, I was feeling invincible. And there I was…,” he said in the interview.
“But a conversation with my daughter changed things. When she asked, ‘Dad, are you dying?’ ‘Will you be there at my wedding?’ I knew I had to fight. So, I started eating healthier, went for timely check-ups, took loans, & put together every dollar for the best treatment. In fact, the doctors & nurses too said, ‘Cancer won’t kill you,’ ‘losing hope will.’ The chemo sessions were taxing, my body was becoming weaker,” the dad opened up.
His story inspired film maker Shoojit Sircar to make a movie about him. Abhishek Bachchan starrer movie ‘I want to talk’ is based on Arjun Sen’s life. The movie released on November 22 and unveils the lives of the dad and his daughter after the unexpected medical diagnosis.
“Today, it’s been more than 25 years. I have beaten cancer, written books, & have spoken about my journey in the hope that it could help others. In fact, the movie in which Abhishek Bachchan has starred, ‘I want to talk,’ is based on my story. And after all these years, I know that the only good way to live is adding life to days & not days to life,” said Arjun.
Strong mental health significantly aids cancer recovery by boosting resilience, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. Emotional support and reduced anxiety improve quality of life and can positively impact clinical outcomes. Positive mental states like hope and optimism enhance immune function and foster better coping mechanisms during treatments. Reduced stress levels lower cortisol, which can otherwise impair healing. Mental strength encourages adherence to treatment plans and promotes a proactive approach to lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
