Strength in the Face of Fear
I cried. Then I smiled. I chose strength—for my family, for my children.
Within days, I was in Tehran, meeting with an oncologist and a surgeon. The tumor had to be removed immediately. My children were preparing for exams, and I hesitated. But my doctor reminded me:
“You must do this for them. Waiting could cost you your life.”

The Battle Begins
The tumor was removed. My surgeon carefully preserved the breast to help with emotional healing. Sixteen lymph nodes were removed—eleven were cancerous.
Treatment began in June:
• 8 rounds of chemotherapy
• 17 immunotherapy sessions
• Followed by 30 radiotherapy sessions
Chemo took its toll. My hair fell. My nails loosened. Painful sores made eating and speaking difficult. Yet through every moment, my family stood by me. My sister messaged me:
“Think of it as a video game—one level at a time.”
That mindset saved me.

Collapse and Rise
After the fourth chemo round, I crashed. An infection hospitalized me. I told my husband:
“I don’t think I can finish this.”
But my nurse reminded me:
“Your body has fought. Now it’s your spirit’s turn.”
So I rose. And I finished every round.

Rediscovering Myself
I spent 45 days away from home during radiotherapy. That time alone helped me reflect, cry, and heal.
When treatment ended in July 2024, I wasn’t the same. I was stronger, wiser, braver.
I enrolled in university and aced my first semester. I also began studying psychology—to help others on this path. I now cry when I need to. I paint. I smile again.

Afsaneh’s Message to You
• Know your body. Don’t ignore even the smallest signs.
• Act quickly. Early diagnosis can save your life.
• Ask for help—you are not alone.
• Let your feelings flow. Cry, rest, and rise again.
Your goal may be simple—survival, joy, or kindness.
Even your presence can be someone’s hope.
And that is more than enough.

🎗 This story was shared by one of the brave survivors supported by Raah-e- Aseman Charitable Foundation.
Together, we rise—with courage, compassion, and care.

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Source:
National Cancer Institute. (2025). During Brain Cancer Surgery, a Rapid Test Can Identify Mutations in Tumor Cells. Cancer Currents Blog.
🔗 Read the full article
.

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Source:
Abubakar, M., et al. (2025, May 14). Unraveling the role of stromal disruption in aggressive breast cancer etiology and outcomes. Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
🔗 Read NCI Press Release
🔗 Additional Coverage at Bioengineer.org

The post New Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Detection: “Stromal Disruption” Emerges as Powerful Biomarker for Aggressive Disease appeared first on raah-e-aseman charity.

Source:
National Cancer Institute. (2025). Studying a ‘Black Box’: The Environmental Factors Behind the Rise in Early-Onset Cancers. Cancer Currents Blog.
🔗 Read full article

The post Cracking the Cancer Code: Scientists Investigate Environmental Causes Behind the Surge in Early-Onset Cancers appeared first on raah-e-aseman charity.

Source:
Zhu, Q., Sun, K., Yao, Y., Li, X., Dai, M., Wei, W., Bray, F., & Zheng, R. (2025, July 23). Global Disparities in Healthcare Resources and Cancer Burden: A Population-based Systematic Analysis of 171 Countries in 2022. International Journal of Surgery. Published online ahead of print.
🔗 DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002960

The post Global Inequality in Cancer Care: New Study Reveals How Access to Healthcare Shapes Survival Rates appeared first on raah-e-aseman charity.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, yet many women—especially those from underserved communities—face barriers such as lack of access, low health literacy, and mistrust in the healthcare system. These obstacles contribute to stark disparities in cancer prevention and early detection.

To address this urgent public health challenge, researchers developed and validated a chatbot-based decision aid using a user-centered design approach. The tool was co-created with input from both healthcare professionals and women from vulnerable populations, ensuring it was easy to use, informative, and trustworthy.

The chatbot educates users about cervical cancer, outlines the benefits of regular screening, and introduces the option of HPV self-sampling, a convenient and less invasive test that can be done at home.

Results from the study were highly promising. Even women with limited digital literacy found the chatbot intuitive and empowering. The majority reported an increase in both knowledge and confidence, with many expressing a clear intention to schedule a screening appointment after interacting with the tool.

The Raah-e-Aseman Charitable Foundation supports this innovative approach as a transformative step toward reducing health inequalities. By using accessible technology like AI chatbots, healthcare providers can bridge information gaps, increase screening rates, and ultimately save lives.

This research underscores a powerful truth: when technology is thoughtfully designed with the end-user in mind, it can break down long-standing barriers and advance health equity in cancer prevention.

Source:
Le Bonniec, A., Sauvaget, C., Lucas, E., Nassiri, A., & Selmouni, F. (2025). Design and Validation of a Chatbot-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Decision Aid for Women Experiencing Socioeconomic Disadvantage: User-Centered Approach Study. JMIR Cancer. Published online July 24, 2025. Link to study

The post AI Chatbot Empowers Underserved Women to Take Control of Cervical Cancer Screening, Study Finds appeared first on raah-e-aseman charity.

However, if you want to be there for them, the key is compassionate communication and flexibility. Below are some ways to offer meaningful support.

How to Talk with Someone Who Has Cancer 

Listen More, Fix Less

– The most valuable gift you can offer is a listening ear. Avoid minimizing their feelings or offering unsolicited advice. Instead, let them express themselves without judgment.

– Phrases like *”I’m here whenever you want to talk” or “It’s okay if you don’t feel like talking now”* create a safe space for them.

Validate Their Emotions

– Cancer can trigger anger, fear, sadness, or withdrawal—all normal reactions to a life-altering diagnosis. Avoid saying “Stay positive!” if they’re struggling. Instead, try:

– “This must be so hard. I’m here for you.”

– “It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling.”

Avoid Blame or Stigma

– Some people unfairly blame themselves (or are blamed by others) for their cancer. Reassure them:

– “Cancer isn’t your fault. No one chooses this.”

– “What matters now is how we can support you.”

Respect Their Privacy 

– Never share their diagnosis without permission. If others ask, say:

– “I’ll let them know you’re thinking of them.”

What to Say (and What to Avoid)

Helpful Responses:

– “I care about you and I’m here for you.”

– “How are you *really* doing today?”

– “Would you like company, or do you need space right now?”

Avoid:

– “I know exactly how you feel.” (Even if you’ve had cancer, everyone’s experience is different.)

– “My aunt had cancer and she…” (Comparisons can feel dismissive.)

– Comments on appearance (“You look tired”) unless it’s a sincere compliment (“You look great today!”).

Humor Can Help (When Appropriate) 

– If they joke about their situation, follow their lead. Laughter can relieve stress, but let them set the tone.

 Coping with Your Own Feelings 

It’s normal to feel:

– Guilt (“Why them and not me?”)

– Fear (“Could this happen to me?”)

– Helplessness (“I don’t know what to do.”)

If these emotions overwhelm you, consider:

– Talking to a therapist or joining a support group.

– Using workplace resources (e.g., Employee Assistance Programs).

– Practicing self-care so you can be present for your loved one.

 Practical Ways to Help 

• Offer specific support: Instead of “Let me know if you need anything,” try:

– “Can I drive you to appointments?”

– “I’d love to drop off meals—what days work best?”

• Respect their treatment choices: If they refuse or stop treatment, avoid judgment. Instead:

– “I respect your decision. How can I support you?”

– Suggest discussing options with their care team (e.g., palliative care for symptom relief).

• During recurrence or advanced cancer:

– Acknowledge their fears: “This must be so tough. I’m with you.”

– Help them access hospice or comfort care if needed.

 Final Thoughts 

Supporting someone with cancer isn’t about having the perfect words—it’s about showing up with empathy. Even small gestures (a text, a shared memory, sitting quietly together) can mean the world.

References

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2023. Atlanta. American Cancer Society; 2023 Accessed https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2023/2023-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdfon September 14, 2023

Costa-Requena G, Ballester Arnal R, Gil F. The influence of coping response and health-related quality of life on perceived social support during cancer treatment. Palliat Support  Care. 2014;28:1-7.

Johnson LA, Schreier AM, Swanson M, Moye JP, Ridner S. Stigma and Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2019 ;46(3): 318-328.

Kroenke CH, Kubzansky LD, Schernhammer ES, Holmes MD, Kawachi I. Social networks, social support, and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(7):1105-1111.https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5372

Naser AY, Hameed AN, Mustafa N, Alwafi H, Dahmash EZ, Alyami HS, et al. Depression and anxiety in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychol. 2021;12:1067. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.585534

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A new study published in JAMA Open Network analyzed data from previous clinical trials and found that aerobic exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms in cancer patients, both in the short-term (within 1 month) and long-term (6-12 months). Aerobic exercises include activities that increase heart rate and breathing, such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming.

Dr. Larissa Nekhlyudov, an ASCO expert, notes, “Aerobic exercise may improve depression for patients living with and beyond cancer. However, the benefits are sustained when exercise is continued.”

Depression in Cancer Patients: Depression is a prevalent concern, affecting approximately 1 in 4 cancer patients. Identifying the signs – persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, cognitive difficulties – is crucial for timely intervention.

Mechanisms of Action: Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which have analgesic and mood-enhancing effects. Furthermore, aerobic exercise offers additional health benefits, including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Clinical Recommendations: Before initiating an exercise program, patients should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure safety and appropriateness. If aerobic exercise is contraindicated, alternative physical activity options and referrals to physical or occupational therapy should be considered.

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Did you know that exercise is a powerful weapon against cancer? While squeezing fitness into busy lives seems impossible, it’s a vital lifestyle choice with far-reaching benefits. Dr. Cristina Rodriguez, an ASCO expert, highlights that “There is a wealth of literature supporting a link between exercise and cancer prevention,” alongside the well-known cardiovascular, weight management, and mood-boosting advantages. The American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Even if you only have 10-20 minutes to spare, incorporating some movement into your day can make a difference. Before you begin, consult your healthcare provider. Want to start maximizing even those small windows of opportunity? Here are 3 exercises you can do anywhere.

Squats:

Squats are a fantastic way to build strength in your legs and core – essential for better balance and injury prevention! Don’t worry if you’re new to exercise; you can easily modify squats to fit your needs. Try starting by sitting down and standing back up from a chair, or use the back of a chair for support.

Here’s how to perform a squat:

• Stand with your feet about hip-width apart. Your toes should point straight ahead.
• Keep your eyes focused forward and maintain a straight back.
• Extend your arms out in front of you for balance or hold onto a chair for support.
• Slowly bend your knees, lowering yourself as if you’re about to sit in a chair. Aim for a 90-degree angle at your knees, or go as low as you comfortably can while keeping good form.

Gently push back up to a standing position using your leg muscles.

Pushups:

Push-ups are an excellent way to strengthen your chest, shoulders, and triceps! The best part? You can adapt them to any situation and ability. Try desk push-ups at the office, or modify the standard push-up by starting on your knees or using an elevated surface like a chair.

Here’s a breakdown of a standard push-up:

• Begin on your hands and knees.
• Place your hands on the floor, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your fingers pointing forward.
• Extend your legs back, placing your toes on the floor. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels – this is the plank position. Keep your core engaged to prevent your hips from sagging.
• Slowly bend your elbows, lowering your entire body towards the floor while maintaining that straight line. Aim to lower until your chest is a few inches from the ground.
• Push back up to the starting plank position, using your chest and triceps muscles.

Walking:

Short on time? Walking is your secret weapon! Dr. Rodriguez says that even brief, regular walks offer huge benefits. Walking can help you manage your weight, boost your heart health, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Make walking a part of your day: a quick lunchtime walk, short breaks around the office, or a morning/evening walk at home. If you have a standing desk, a walking pad can help you sneak in extra steps.

Limited time? No problem! If you only have 15 minutes, dedicate 5 minutes to a warm-up walk, then 5 minutes each to squats and push-ups.

Getting started with these small exercises might inspire you to try new things.

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