24 Sep Kunti Devi (Breast Cancer Survivor)’s story of hope and courage

Kunti Devi, a 59-year-old resident of Sitamarhi, Bihar, had been living with a lump in her breast for nearly one and a half years. She never imagined that it could turn into cancer. For a long time, she ignored it until the lump started causing her pain and water discharge, making it impossible to overlook.

Gathering courage, she shared her condition with her daughter-in-law. Together, they consulted a local doctor in Sitamarhi, where she underwent an ultrasound, X-ray, and the blood test. The doctor advised her to go to Muzaffarpur Hospital (Bihar) for further screening and surgery, assuring her that the operation itself would be free of cost, and only the travel expenses needed to be covered.

However, when she reached Muzaffarpur, the hospital staff informed her that the tests alone would cost around ₹5,500, along with additional charges of ₹1,300. She was unable to afford this, and with her daughter-in-law returned home, disheartened.

Her elder son suggested going to Patna for treatment, while her son-in-law in Delhi advised avoiding wasting time moving from one hospital to another. He asked her to come to Delhi, where he could support her through the process. Trusting him, she made her first journey to Delhi for treatment.

While in Delhi, her son-in-law was arranging her medical check-ups. During this time, one of his friends informed them about a Cancer Screening Camp organized by CAPED India. They decided to take Kunti Devi for a consultation. At the camp, her screening results came out positive; she had breast cancer.

From that moment, CAPED India’s patient navigation team stepped in. They supported her through every hospital visit, ensured her safe travel back home, and stood by her throughout her treatment journey. Kunti Devi underwent five rounds of chemotherapy and surgery, including stitches, which she bravely endured.

Though she often felt weak and at times thought she would not survive, she fought fiercely. She followed her doctor’s advice, took care of her diet, and gradually regained her strength. Today, she proudly calls herself a cancer warrior.

Kunti Devi now encourages her family, friends, and other women in her village to practice regular self-checks and not ignore symptoms. She is deeply grateful to the CAPED India team for their unwavering support and compassionate care, especially as she faced disbelief and lack of support in her village.

Coming to Delhi for the first time in her life, she not only underwent her treatment but also found hope, courage, and a new mission to spread awareness so that no woman delays seeking help like she once did.

Cancer taught me that strength is not the absence of fear, but the courage to face it. I want every woman to check herself and never stay silent. – Kunti Devi