Arij Fatyma, the Pakistani television actress and digital influencer with 1.7 million Instagram followers, recently shared a deeply personal and harrowing account of her battle with cancer. Known for her compelling performances in dramas like Tere Liye, Hasad, and Kis Din Mera, Arij opened up about the unexpected way her diagnosis unfolded and the life-changing decisions she faced.
During an appearance on Hafiz Ahmed’s podcast, Arij recounted the initial confusion surrounding her health. She explained that she had gone to a clinic to check for pregnancy, and after initial testing and follow-ups, it was identified as a blighted ovum—a non-viable pregnancy. Faced with the choice of letting it pass naturally, taking medication, or undergoing a procedure, she opted for medication. Unbeknownst to her at the time, she was carrying a large cancerous sac in her ovaries. Her only symptoms had been mild acne on her chin and abdominal discomfort, making the situation all the more hidden and dangerous.
Arij described a frightening incident during the Eid holidays that brought her condition to light. While shopping, she began bleeding heavily, soaking her clothes. Bystanders assumed it was a miscarriage, and although her husband rushed her to the hospital, the attending nurse initially misdiagnosed her condition as a simple infection and failed to detect the tumor. After undergoing a painful dilation and curettage (D&C), she was informed that she might have a rare form of cancer, which can sometimes appear years after pregnancy. The news left her terrified and in shock, prompting her to reach out to her brother and grandmother for support.
She shared the details of her treatment, which included a CT scan that fortunately showed no spread of the cancer. Arij underwent a hysterectomy to remove her uterus and received light chemotherapy to prevent further complications. She reflected on the immense risks involved, noting that the cancerous sac removed was roughly the size of a three-month pregnancy and could have ruptured at any time. Arij emphasized her gratitude for the timely intervention of a Pakistani doctor in Karachi, whose care was crucial in managing her condition and preventing further complications.
Through her candid story, Arij Fatyma has highlighted the importance of early detection, thorough medical evaluation, and courage in facing life-threatening health challenges, inspiring many with her resilience and openness about her cancer journey.
