Shark Tank India Judge Kanika Tekriwal Opens Up About Her Cancer Battle at Age 21
In a deeply personal revelation on Shark Tank India, judge Kanika Tekriwal shared her harrowing journey with cancer, leaving fellow judges Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh visibly shocked. The 35-year-old entrepreneur disclosed that she was diagnosed with cancer at just 21 years old, describing the intense physical and emotional challenges she faced during treatment.
The Painful Reality of Cancer Treatment
Tekriwal made her emotional disclosure during a pitch about CBD oil in Episode 24 of the latest season. "I am very excited about what you are doing," she told the entrepreneurs. "I had cancer 17 years ago. I was 21 years old. I used to get a round of chemo every two weeks. I used to be dying in pain."
The Shark Tank India judge revealed that her doctors had recommended CBD oil for pain management, but it wasn't available at the time. "My doctors kept asking my parents to give me CBD oil. It wasn't available anywhere," she recalled, emphasizing the critical need for effective pain management during cancer treatments.
Recovery Through Alternative Approaches
Despite the grim prognosis she received from approximately 40 doctors who gave her between four days and four months to live, Tekriwal found a path to recovery through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. "By God's grace, I am sitting here before you today with a full head of hair," she said, visibly emotional.
Tekriwal credited a doctor in Mumbai and the book "Yoga for Cancer" with helping transform her approach to healing. "We worked together. I discovered a book called Yoga for Cancer, which helped me with my food, and it really cured me," she explained. While she didn't use CBD oil herself, she strongly advocated for its potential benefits, stating, "I didn't use CBD oil, but there is a need."
The Broader Challenge of Cancer Treatment
Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, an oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, commented on the particular challenges faced by young cancer patients. "Being diagnosed with cancer at 21 means experiencing intense physical pain and emotional shock at a time when life usually feels limitless," she explained.
Dr. Sanghavi noted that frequent chemotherapy, hair loss, and uncertainty become part of daily life for young patients. "Her story shows how hard cancer treatment can be for young patients, both physically and mentally," she added, highlighting how chemotherapy and radiation can cause severe fatigue, body pain, nausea, and emotional distress.
The Importance of Supportive Care and Mindset
According to medical experts, the disease itself is only part of the challenge for cancer patients. Treatment side effects often persist longer than expected, making everyday tasks difficult and draining motivation during recovery.
Dr. Sanghavi emphasized the crucial role of mindset and supportive habits during recovery. "Mental strength, reassurance, and hope can greatly affect how someone deals with long treatment cycles," she said. Activities like gentle movement, breath awareness, and maintaining emotional engagement can help patients feel more in control during uncertain times.
The oncosurgeon also highlighted practical lifestyle adjustments that can support healing: "Regular meals, staying hydrated, getting good sleep, and following calming routines support healing and reduce exhaustion from aggressive therapies."
Tekriwal's powerful testimony on Shark Tank India has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by young cancer patients and the importance of comprehensive pain management and supportive care during treatment. Her journey from a dire prognosis to successful recovery serves as an inspiration to many battling similar health challenges.
