Actress Dipika Kakar was diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer in May 2025 after experiencing persistent stomach pain. She has been openly sharing her journey with fans through vlogs, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the treatment.
Initial Symptom The journey began when she experienced persistent and unbearable pain in her upper right abdomen. Initially, the pain was mild and attributed to common issues like acidity or stress. However, when the discomfort became chronic and did not subside with initial treatments like antibiotics, further medical investigations were conducted.
2/10
Diagnosis A CT scan revealed a malignant tumour the size of a tennis ball in the left lobe of her liver, which was diagnosed as stage 2 cancer. Other symptoms that she experienced and can be associated with liver issues and cancer in general included persistent fatigue and weakness, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite or feeling full after eating very little.
3/10
Aggressive Nature The tumour was classified as "grade three and poorly differentiated", meaning it was quite aggressive, although the cancer had not spread to other organs or lymph nodes.
4/10
Major Surgery In June 2025, she underwent a 14-hour-long surgery where 22% of her liver, along with the 11 cm tumour, was removed. Her journey underscores the importance of not ignoring persistent bodily discomfort and seeking timely medical advice when symptoms become chronic or unusual.
Post-Surgery Status Following the operation, her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, confirmed she had no cancer cells remaining, but the risk of recurrence remained due to the tumour's aggressive nature.
6/10
Ongoing Treatment To minimise recurrence risk, she is undergoing a two-year course of oral targeted therapy, which functions similarly to chemotherapy but is less intense.
7/10
Treatment Side Effects The treatment has caused various side effects, most notably severe hair loss, which she described as a "scary" and emotionally difficult experience.
8/10
Emotional Toll Dipika has been open about the emotional struggle, including moments of anxiety, fear, and breaking down in tears, even when her reports were normal, due to the lingering trauma of the diagnosis.
Support System She has emphasised the immense support from her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, and her family, who have been with her every step of the way. Dipika's family was crucial in maintaining a stress-free environment and helping with basic needs. This includes her parents and her sister-in-law, Saba Ibrahim, who all contributed to creating a supportive atmosphere at home.
10/10
Public Awareness Through her vlogs, she has aimed to raise awareness about early detection and the importance of a positive outlook and timely medical care during a health battle. Dipika's story is a testament to the fact that identifying symptoms early, like her persistent stomach pain, allowed doctors to treat the cancer before it spread to other organs. She advocates for regular medical check-ups, even with a seemingly healthy lifestyle.
![Aggressive Nature The tumour was classified as "grade three and poorly differentiated", meaning it was quite aggressive, although the cancer had not spread to other organs or lymph nodes.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/11/20251121093545_Dipika-Kakar-cancer-Journey-3.jpg "Aggressive Nature The tumour was classified as "grade three and poorly differentiated", meaning it was quite aggressive, although the cancer had not spread to other organs or lymph nodes.")
![Treatment Side Effects The treatment has caused various side effects, most notably severe hair loss, which she described as a "scary" and emotionally difficult experience.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/11/20251121094222_Dipika-kakar-cancer-journey-7.jpg "Treatment Side Effects The treatment has caused various side effects, most notably severe hair loss, which she described as a "scary" and emotionally difficult experience.")
