Aruna Irani Opens Up About Battling Cancer Twice: "I Made a Mistake Not Opting for Chemotherapy the First Time"

Veteran Bollywood actress Aruna Irani has made a heartfelt revelation about her battle with breast cancer, a struggle she faced not once but twice. In a candid interview on the show Lehren Retro, the 78-year-old actress shared her journey, highlighting the fear, missteps, and lessons learned along the way.

Aruna Irani was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Initially, doctors didn’t consider it a serious threat. However, she trusted her instincts and decided to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. At the time, she declined chemotherapy, fearing the physical side effects—particularly hair loss and skin damage—that could potentially impact her on-screen career.

"My hair would fall, my skin would get damaged... I felt it would hurt my work," Irani explained, admitting that she opted for oral medication instead. Unfortunately, the cancer returned in 2020. This time, bolstered by experience and medical advice, Aruna Irani chose to undergo chemotherapy. "It was my mistake that I didn’t take chemo the first time," she admitted. "This time, I did, and I made the right decision."

Despite the side effects, including hair loss, she shared that her hair grew back quickly and that modern treatment methods made the recovery process more manageable.

Now 78, Aruna Irani continues to work in the industry with the same passion and energy. Her resilience, honesty, and optimism serve as an inspiration to many battling illness and self-doubt.

Her story is not just one of survival, but of courage, self-awareness, and the importance of trusting medical guidance—reminding everyone that early treatment and timely decisions can make all the difference.