This Rollercoaster? It’s mine to drive.
“I am Suchismita Das. A lung cancer survivor. A patient advocate at Lung Connect India Foundation.” Her words are simple. Yet behind them is a journey, that did reshape her life.
At 22, Suchismita Das was in her second year of engineering, with the aspirations of a young woman shaping her future. Today at 28, she stands not just as a lung cancer survivor but an embodiment of strength, advocacy and hope.
The Diagnosis:
Lung cancer is predominantly associated with old age and uncontrolled smoking habits.
Suchismita had neither.
No one is ever prepared to hear the word “cancer” from a doctor ; no matter how many times we let the internet diagnose us. At an age when life is just beginning to unfold, instead of internships and campus placements, she found herself at the renowned Tata Memorial Centre in the city of dreams.
“People go to Mumbai to try their luck,” she says. “Maybe for glamour, business, or a great career option. I landed up there for cancer treatment.”
The treatment lasted nearly 1.5 years.
Chemotherapy. Hospital Visits. Side effects. Emotional weight.
On January 1st 2020, when her doctor enquired about her New Year plans, her answer was “nothing much”. Yet, she would be spending it in day care for chemotherapy. It wasn’t really a conventional start to a new year with streamers and forgotten resolutions. But… she stayed. Persevered. Fought.
And today, she is cancer-free.
Early Detection:
Suchismita now works as Associate Communications at Lung Connect India Foundation.An organization dedicated specifically to lung cancer patients.
Through her work, she has seen a harsh reality:
More than 70% of lung cancer patients in India are diagnosed at Stage 3 or Stage 4.
By then, treatment options are limited. In Stage 4, cure is not possible. Treatment focuses on improving quality of life.
“But early detection can change everything,” she says firmly.
Early diagnosis opens up wider treatment options. It increases affordability. It improves physical and mental resilience. Most importantly, it gives patients a real chance at cure.
Fear is often the biggest barrier. When symptoms like persistent cough, breathlessness, joint pain, or difficulty climbing stairs appear, people avoid testing.
“What if it is cancer?”
So they don’t go.
But avoiding it does not make it disappear.
“A blood test or CT scan can lead to proper diagnosis at an earlier stage,” she explains. “I will push people to at least visit their local physician. In most cases, when people are worrying intensively… it’s too late.”
Breaking the Myths:
One of the biggest myths she confronts daily is that “Cancer is a death sentence.”
It isn’t. It hasnt, and will NEVER be one.
With ongoing research, better medicines, targeted therapies, and global clinical trials, survival rates are improving steadily.
Another harmful belief she addresses is deeply cultural:
“You must have done something in your past life.”
Her response ito which is powerful and simple-
“What have 6-month-old babies battling blood cancer done in their past lives?”
Cancer is not karma. It is a medical condition.
And it deserves medical understanding… not stigma.
Clinical Trials: Giving Back While Moving Forward:
Suchismita also advocates for awareness around clinical trials. Patients can search India’s official registry at Clinical Trial Registry of India.
Many lung cancer patients with targeted mutations may qualify for trials that provide advanced treatment options. These trials not only improve quality of life but also help future generations access better medications at lower costs.
“As whoever is diagnosed is already diagnosed,” she says gently. “If they participate, they’re helping society.”
The Emotional Journey: No One Fights Alone:
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it is never just one person fighting. Families carry emotional and financial burdens too. Medicines can be costly, especially in advanced stages.
For Suchismita, her greatest pillar was her father.
From arranging accommodation in Mumbai to managing hospital visits, he stood by her through every cycle of treatment.
She also found strength in unexpected places. Other patients.
“When you see someone else going through the same, you think, ‘If they can do it, I can too.’”
That shared courage is what makes alll the difference doesn’t it?
That’s why Lung Connect India Foundation runs a free “Buddy Programme.” Newly diagnosed patients are connected with survivors who volunteer to guide them through the first difficult months. From managing side effects to finding the right food, doctors, and emotional balance.
“Sometimes,” she says softly, “just listening to someone who is crying makes them feel better.”
Mental Health Is Not a Weakness:
Suchismita speaks openly about counselling.
“Nothing is wrong with your head,” she clarifies. “Consulting a counsellor does not mean you are mentally ill.”
Cancer is not a normal situation. Emotional support is necessary.
Her coping strategies included painting, attending support group sessions, listening to music, and talking to friends. Even when they couldn’t physically sit beside her, they texted and called daily.
“Every day they reminded me how little the fight was left.”
That reminder helped her keep going.
Lung Cancer in the Young:
One alarming truth she emphasizes upon is that lung cancer is increasingly seen among young people, even non-smokers.
Research is ongoing to understand why.
But prevention still matters.
“No smoking,” she urges. “And vaping? Equally harmful.”
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. It may not be cancer. But what if it is?
Early diagnosis can save not just one life but an entire family’s future.
The Survivor Who Became an Advocate:
Today, Suchismita has been in the advocacy space for nearly three years, working behind the scenes to amplify awareness through social media and patient outreach.
She believes social media holds immense power. When facts and gaps in cancer care are shared responsibly, they reach thousands.
And somewhere, someone might decide to get that test done early.
That decision could change everything.
“I Am the Driver”.
When asked how she sees her journey now, she smiles.
“Though it’s a rollercoaster, I am the driver. I know how to ride it. Whatever happens, I have to deal with it.”
From a 22-year-old engineering student sitting in a chemotherapy ward on New Year’s Day to a 28-year-old survivor guiding others toward hope… her story is not just about survival.
It is about courage.
It is about awareness.
It is about early detection.
And above all…