Cancer has made me much stronger: Nadia Jamil

Nadia Jamil has been battling cancer for some months now, sharing news of her devastating diagnosis in early April.

Since then, the Damsa actor has announced that she is “out of the danger zone.” In a recent interview, she shared her personal account of dealing with the ordeal and defeating the disease.

Talking about the challenges she faced during her time in the hospital while under treatment for grade three breast cancer to Voice of America, Nadia shared that at one point she felt like giving up and even “attempted suicide, but failed.”

“I cried a lot when my hair was cut off. But I felt proud and saw myself as a strong woman when I first looked at myself with a bald head in the mirror,” said Jamil, detailing her experience while undergoing chemotherapy. “My journey with cancer has made me much stronger,” she added.

Jamil also expressed appreciation towards her fans and followers on social media, calling them her family. "I would turn teary-eyed after reading the loving messages posted by my fans on social media,” she shared, crediting them with taking care of her and boosting her morale throughout her treatment.

The Balu Mahi actor is known for her stance on a number of societal issues as well, cementing her place at the forefront of issues like child labour, sexual harassment, child abuse as well as animal abuse. While talking about her harrowing ordeal, she also mentioned that she wants her experience to be one of hope to those struggling.

“I want to answer the questions of sexual harassment victims, depressed individuals, those fighting cancer, and those who want to learn about my journey. Furthermore, I want to work for the child abuse victims in Pakistan," said Jamil.

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News about Jamil’s deteriorating health was first shared by Jamil herself. She took to Twitter on April 3 to make the emotional announcement, saying, “Last week, I was diagnosed with cancer. In the last few days I have felt all sorts of feelings – From apprehension, fear, and unbeatably huge love to calm, acceptance, patience, overwhelming gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility.”

Three months on, she took to Twitter again to share a piece of good news. “Lying in the hospital now for over two weeks and I'm healing,” she wrote.

Following up on the same tweet, Jamil shed light on the plight of children being abused across the world, be it in domestic situations or in war-torn countries. "My mind goes to the children of the world who need adults to step up. Crimes against children, whether domestic, due to war or any other reason need to be looked into and fought against harder than ever!" she said.

She then went on to share another anecdote about looking out for children’s mental health, identifying triggers, and rectifying them. “The rehabilitation of a child's mind after any kind of trauma is essential. It’s important to equip children with strategies, so they can recognise patterns, triggers, develop some mental safety plans, and stand a better chance to be productive, functional, and happy adults. We can do this if we will so!” she had added.

Here’s wishing Jamil a swift and complete recovery.

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