Stage 4 cancer diagnosis stuns 29-year-old who followed ‘healthiest diet’. Blames stress and burnout

At first, she noticed only mild changes — feeling more tired after work, occasional discomfort, and a vague sense that something wasn’t quite right.

In an era where clean eating and wellness routines are seen as cornerstones of good health, the case of 29-year-old Monika Choudhary offers a sobering counterpoint. Despite following a highly disciplined, nutrient-rich diet, she was diagnosed in July 2025 with stage 4 colorectal cancer — a revelation she believes was linked to long-term stress, burnout, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Choudhary had always avoided processed and fried foods for years. But her experience has reinforced a crucial point: nutrition alone cannot neutralise the damage caused by prolonged mental strain and lack of movement.

“It wasn’t just bad luck,” she said, reflecting on the months before her diagnosis. “It was a result of stress, burnout, and complete physical neglect over time.”

The deterioration in Choudhary's health was incremental. At first, she noticed only mild changes — feeling more tired after work, occasional discomfort, and a vague sense that something wasn’t quite right.

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Over time, however, these early warning signs became more pronounced:

Abandoning physical activity: Once a regular runner, Choudhary had stopped her evening runs, which had previously been both exercise and a way to manage stress.
Extended inactivity: Most of her days were spent indoors, seated at her desk or in front of screens, with very little movement.
Persistent mental exhaustion: Managing her own website brought constant pressure, leaving her drained — a state she dismissed as normal for a busy professional.

Looking back, she now sees how these shifts quietly set the stage for more serious problems.

According to a report in Times of India, health experts warn that chronic mental stress triggers hormonal changes — including elevated cortisol and adrenaline — which over time can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and allow abnormal cells to evade detection. Physical inactivity compounds these effects by slowing circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing the body’s ability to eliminate toxins and deliver nutrients efficiently.

In Choudhary's case, these factors may have created conditions in which cancer could develop and progress more aggressively, despite her careful diet.

The news came in mid-2025: stage 4 colorectal cancer. For Choudhary, it was a moment that shattered the belief that her lifestyle offered full protection.

She also now recognises that she overlooked the significance of early symptoms. Persistent fatigue, an underlying sense of unease, and minor aches seemed unimportant at the time, but they were indications that her health was under strain.

Choudhary's case underlines how easy it is to dismiss small but persistent changes in health. Fatigue, discomfort, and low energy are often blamed on work schedules or temporary stress, yet they can be markers of more serious issues. Without timely medical attention, these problems can escalate to advanced disease before detection.

For Monika Choudhary, the diagnosis has been both devastating and clarifying. “I learned, in the hardest way possible, that no ambition is worth compromising your health. Our body always keeps the score — and it eventually demands attention, one way or another.”

Disclaimer: This is solely an account of Monica Choudhary’s personal experience and should not be considered medical advice. For any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.