Dr.Basma, Maldives

Cancer turned my world upside down even before I became a radiologist. My earliest memories of cancer was seeing a beloved relative diagnosed with cervical cancer and fighting a painful losing battle just as I was embarking on my journey to become a doctor.

Just as I embarked on my married life , once again cancer turned my life upside down. I lost the chance to get to know my mother-in- law, a wonderful loving woman who could have added so much to my children's lives. A grandmother who they never got to meet.

Nothing could have prepared me for the day when cancer hit home and turned my life upside down once again. My mother, a vibrant and strong woman, was diagnosed with breast cancer on a routine mammogram. 

Throughout her journey, I struggled to balance my roles as a radiologist and a caregiver. On one hand is the ability to understand the disease from a clinical standpoint, analyzing the scans, discussing treatment options,and anticipating the next steps. On the other, there is the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one endure the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Today, my mother is a cancer survivor. Her journey has profoundly impacted me, both personally and professionally. It has made me more empathetic toward my patients and their families. I now understand the fear, the uncertainty, and the hope that comes with a cancer diagnosis. 

As a radiologist, I am reminded daily of the importance and the power of early detection and the role of precision imaging that play in saving lives beyond just a diagnosis , the power of modern medicine and the resilience of the human spirit. 

In this journey, every scan becomes more than just an image, it becomes a life, a story, a family. The experience deepens empathy, fuels a greater passion for patient care, and reinforces the belief that behind every diagnosis is a fighter, a survivor, and a family filled with hope. 

Today once again my life has been turned upside down when recently a close relative has been diagnosed with cancer and the battle continues.

To all my survivors, you are my heroes, the power of hope!