Living With Stage 4 Cancer, NITI Aayog Director Urvashi Prasad Battles Biases Head-On

"Stage 4 cancer + severe depression + anxiety and director at NITI Aayog. Gali mat dena, but is she fit for her job?" commented a user on X. The user, riding high on ignorance, chose to question the proficiency of a woman, Urvashi Prasad, who occupies a top position as a public health professional. The comment, stemming from insensitivity and misconstrued assumptions, mirrors the viewpoints of many as India grapples with rising cases of both cancer diagnosis and mental health issues. 

The person may have taken to the comment section to raise a question reeking of judgement but Urvashi Prasad, who has been an instrumental figure in public healthcare whilst surviving a rare form of lung cancer ALK Positive, isn't the one to back down. Prasad, whose life is bigger than her cancer diagnosis, brought the issue to the forefront and addressed the biases that cancer survivors face, some of which are often dismissed.

Taking heed, SheThePeople spoke to NITI Aayog director Urvashi Prasad about her journey as a cancer survivor, the biases she faces headstrong while working in public healthcare, how women can prioritise their well-being even as primary caregivers, and why it's time to bust myths around cancer survivors and their lives in totality.

Excerpt from the interview with Urvashi Prasad

In a recent post, you mentioned “As a public health professional, a woman, and a determined individual, I address these biases head-on. If not me, then who will challenge such perceptions?” Urvashi, how has this journey been for you - with all its challenges and triumphs - and how do you approach awareness and advocacy as a survivor?

As a professional in the field of public health, I have always been cognizant of the misconceptions, myths, and social stigma surrounding various health conditions such as TB, cancer, or depression. Due to a lack of awareness and prevailing social and gender norms, individuals often fail to seek appropriate care in a timely manner. Therefore, advocacy and raising awareness are not optional, but imperative. Moreover, if one happens to be personally affected by such a condition, their advocacy can carry even more weight as they have firsthand experience.

No one can comprehend the challenges better than someone who has lived through them. Even a doctor cannot fully grasp the experience until they become a patient one day. Living with Stage 4 cancer is an arduous journey, characterised by a constant battle between difficult days and even tougher ones. Coping with the physical, mental, social, and emotional effects of the disease and its treatments is a daunting task. While I strive to make the most of each day, the reality is far from easy, and the struggle is profound, something only a fellow survivor can truly comprehend.

The person who made a biased comment linking your health and your professional position mirrored many people's viewpoints. How do you think we can shift the narrative collectively so such biases and ideas that stem from ignorance are eroded?

It is a formidable challenge to confront biases and ignorance, particularly when individuals reach adulthood and their beliefs become deeply ingrained. The most opportune time to tackle these issues is during childhood, as it allows for the cultivation of awareness among children and subsequently adolescents, and young people who possess the potential to effect significant change as well as influence their families and communities. The responsibility of addressing these matters cannot rest solely on the government; it necessitates collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including civil society, the medical fraternity, the media, and citizens themselves.

What are some myths about cancer survivors that you would like to bust?

There are too many to mention in this limited space! Numerous individuals hold the belief that cancer is a uniform disease, but the truth is that cancer encompasses over 200 distinct diseases. Even individuals with the exact same type of cancer may undergo different treatment plans and experience varying outcomes. Many individuals also consider themselves to be experts on the causes of cancer and frequently offer unsolicited advice on dietary choices and other factors. However, in most cases, we do not fully comprehend why certain individuals develop cancer at a specific point in their lives while others with similar lifestyles and risk factors do not.

The role of chance and unfortunate circumstances should not be underestimated. Yes, there are some well-established risk factors like smoking but every smoker does not get cancer and many non-smokers like me get lung cancer!

Another prevalent misconception is that all cancer patients undergo chemotherapy. In reality, patients may receive different types of chemotherapy or undergo additional/other treatments such as surgery, radiation, or targeted therapy at various stages of their treatment. While it is true that many patients experience hair loss and fatigue, it is important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all experience for all cancer patients.

As a woman who is in the public health sector, could you comment on the gap there is when it comes to women’s healthcare across India - while there’s more awareness around, do you think societal restrictions, patriarchal norms, and the excessive burden of caregiving make women keep their wellbeing last?

Indeed. The tendency for women to prioritise the well-being of others over their own is a clear indication of the entrenched patriarchal beliefs that position women as the primary caregivers within the family, thus making their health and wellness a secondary concern. While progress is being made, societal norms evolve slowly. It requires a collective and continuous commitment from all parties involved.

What are some small yet significant ways you suggest women can keep their health first?

Emphasising fundamental aspects such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in consistent physical activity, and ensuring sufficient rest. Additionally, scheduling routine preventive health checkups, conducting self-examinations for breast health, and undergoing cervical cancer screenings. Prioritising mental and emotional wellness is also crucial. Allocating personal time for self-care and pursuing activities that bring joy, rather than solely focusing on the preferences of family members or partners.

How do you approach mental well-being and self-care?

Instead of solely prioritising the preferences of my family members or partner, I have learned the importance of allocating personal time for self-care and engaging in activities that bring me joy such as dancing. I believe that women tend to be overly critical of themselves, but since my diagnosis, I have been gradually learning to be less harsh on myself. Seeking assistance from a psychiatrist and taking antidepressants have been crucial in my mental health journey post my cancer diagnosis.

Could you share a particular moment in your journey that became an unexpected source of inspiration?

The resilience and courage of my parents have always been my greatest source of inspiration. Witnessing them navigate numerous challenges with the utmost grace and unwavering courage has taught me the value of perseverance. Despite the hardships they faced, they never backed down, setting a remarkable example for me to follow. Despite the obstacles I encounter, I strive to emulate their resilience by giving my best effort each day, even though all the odds are stacked against me post my diagnosis.