‘Don’t take health for granted’

Through her battle with breast cancer, Pakistani expatriate Yousra Zubair learned one important lesson: ‘No cancer can change the core of who you are'. Post treatment she continues to be the same person who loves life and loves to smile.

For 30-year-old Yousra who was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 that resulted in mastectomy and the loss of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, it was the darkest period of her life.

Fortunately, her support network that included her husband and parents, stood by her and helped her through it. Defiant and strong as she emerged through it all, Yousra says, ‘I will never take my life or health for granted and I will live each day to the fullest. I found strength at my weakest; I found light in my darkness; I found beauty in my scars.'

Yusra’s message: ‘Younger women tend ignore the warning signs— such as a lump in the breast or an unusual discharge, as they believe they are too young to get breast cancer.

‘Be aware of your body. Be aware of the signs to watch for. Get yourself checked. Tell yourself that no matter how tough days may seem, you will stand by yourself. Keep going. Fight the cancer with your positive attitude and smile.'