Binal Narayan: The Man Who Beat Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50, though it is not exclusive to that age group. So when Binal Narayan, 27, was diagnosed with the deadly disease in January this year, he was understandably surprised.
In the days when Mr Narayan’s cancer symptoms first surfaced, doctors could not identify the cause of his pain – predominantly felt in the abdominal region.
After several referrals, blood tests and scans, he was officially confirmed as a cancer patient.
“It was very heartbreaking at first,” the Nausori resident said.
“I was in disbelief. It took me some time to get accept the fact that I was now a cancer patient.
“They told me they would begin treatment with surgeries and a chemotherapy cycle. I was afraid; I stayed away from hospital for a whole week because of it.
“I still remember the excruciating pain I felt in my mid-section and lower back. Every time I coughed, I felt like someone was poking a needle in my stomach.”
Cancer is usually viewed as a disease synonymous with death. These thoughts also haunted Mr Narayan when he was first given the diagnosis.
“I think without my family’s support, I might have passed away,” he said.
“They gave me hope and helped me believe in myself that I could win this perilous battle against cancer.”
Soon, however, he was informed that he had beaten cancer. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected in its earliest stages.
But, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, chances of the disease recurring are between 30 and 90 per cent.
And while Mr Narayan currently lives a happy life, even after his harrowing experience, he recognises the reality of cancer cells reappearing in his system.
“I’ve taken time off from work to fully recover. I am eating healthy, exercising and following a strict dietary plan,” he added.
“I alone know the pain I went through and believe me, you do not want to go through a similar thing.”