Actress Rajshri Deshpande, known for her roles in Sacred Games and Trial by Fire, recently revealed that she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer at the age of 43. She identified it as infiltrating ductal carcinoma (NOS), Grade 1, an early form of the disease.
Rajshri shared her diagnosis on Instagram to normalise conversations about breast cancer and reduce the stigma that still surrounds it. Her openness has sparked important discussions about early detection and routine screenings.
Can You Have Breast Cancer Without Pain? Doctor Explains
Many women believe breast pain is a sign of cancer, but experts say this is often not true. In a recent video, Dr Jay R Anam (a Mumbai-based breast cancer, oncoplastic and lymph node surgeon) explained that early-stage breast cancer usually does not cause pain.
He said that breast discomfort can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, lifestyle factors or simple cysts rather than cancer. He said that the real warning sign is a firm, painless lump.
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Dr Anam said, “If you notice a painless lump, it should always be checked by a breast specialist. Breast pain alone is usually harmless, but ignoring a lump can delay diagnosis. Early detection saves lives.”
His advice highlights the importance of regular screenings, like mammograms and sonographies, even when there are no symptoms. This simple step can make a life-saving difference.
What Rajshri Deshpande Said About Her Diagnosis
Rajshri revealed that her breast cancer was mostly asymptomatic and detected during a routine health check. She noticed some unusual symptoms earlier in the year, which led to further testing. She called the early detection a “fighting chance.”
Her diagnosis involved sonography and a biopsy to confirm the findings. She underwent surgery in April 2024 to remove the lesion. Sharing the news with her parents, she said, was one of the hardest moments and required a lot of courage.
After surgery, Rajshri expressed gratitude for her support system and said that seeing her parents’ faces melted her fears into unbreakable strength. She is now focused on recovery and plans to return to work while continuing to raise awareness about breast health.
Through her story, Rajshri encouraged women to prioritise regular screenings and not wait for pain before consulting a doctor.
