When we hear the word ‘Cancer’, it tears us up, isn’t it? Not only common men, several actors, sportspersons to politicians have been the victim of the big C. It didn’t spare Yuvraj Singh too. In 2011, he got diagnosed with mediastinal seminoma, a germ-cell tumour which was located between his two lungs. It was after the 2011 ICC World Cup triumph, Singh was diagnosed and it broke the hearts of his several fans. But Singh with his willpower and determination fought all odds that came his way and today he is a cancer survivor.
Yuvraj Singh’s Cancer Diagnosis
It was during the World Cup of 2011, Yuvraj Singh reportedly had his first symptoms like coughs, acute breathlessness, spitting blood, and loss of stamina. The World Cup got over and about seven months after the World Cup win, the cricketer got some tests done. There was some bad news! Initially, he was diagnosed with a non-malignant tumour, but three months later, it was confirmed to be cancer. It was a tumour with the name Mediastinal Seminoma.
Yuvraj’s doctor, Dr Nitesh Rohatgi from Max Hospitals, had told the media that it was a malignant tumour called “extragonadal seminoma” which is very rare. He also added that it was not lung cancer, and the tumour didn’t spread to Yuvraj’s lungs.
For the unversed, this type of tumour occurs in the space between the two lungs and the heart. It is treatable.
Yuvraj Singh’s Cancer Treatment
Yuvraj Singh’s cancer treatment regime included both medication and chemotherapy. He underwent treatment in the US in early 2012 and received three cycles of chemotherapy.
Rohatgi had told reporters, “We are very lucky this is a seminoma. These are mostly curable with chemotherapy and … unlikely to affect Yuvraj’s career.” He added, “His doctors in the U.S., working in collaboration with us, are confident of his recovery. Most likely Yuvraj … will be back on the field by the first week of May.”
The former cricketer also underwent Ayurveda treatment and went to rehab in the same year.
He was discharged from the hospital after he went through the third and final chemotherapy. He came out victorious by defeating the deadly disease and returned to India in 2012.
How Yuvraj’s Mother Stood As Pillar Of Strength
Family plays a huge role in tough times. Yuvraj’s mother Shabnam’s role and contribution are commendable. She stood rock solid by him through his cancer journey. In 2012, he launched the Yuvraj Singh Foundation with his mother. The foundation’s main aim is to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families across India.
Earlier, in an interview with Your Story, Shabnam said that it took all her strength and determination to accept the fact that her son was diagnosed with cancer. But she had to keep her emotions aside and be strong for her son. Their learnings and the motivating words of their spiritual guru inspired them to battle the hard times together.
She added that it was exhausting for her physically, emotionally, and mentally but the hope that her son would survive at the end kept her going. Once Yuvi returned to India, it was physically and mentally not easy for him, but their faith kept them going.
Yuvraj Is An Inspiration.
Yuvraj is truly an inspiration. He said, “It’s only once I accepted cancer that I could beat it. When life knocks down you have a choice — to get up. So, I thought to myself, ‘Get up and do it again.”
In 2013, he wrote a book on his cancer journey. It is titled, ‘The Test of My Life: From Cricket to Cancer and Back’.
Today, he is happily married to actress Hazel Keech and they are parents to a baby boy.