Actress Areej Fatyma has shared her deeply personal battle with choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that spreads quickly, often developing after a molar pregnancy. While such pregnancies are already uncommon, the transformation into choriocarcinoma is extremely rare.
In a heartfelt video message, Areej described how her life changed within hours.
“My life was going very well. I never took things too seriously and thought I would live a long life. I even skipped prayers at times. Then, in just a few hours, everything changed. I fought for my life, not knowing whether I would survive.”
She underwent major surgery as part of her treatment but chose not to speak publicly at the time, fearing judgment and speculation.
“People can be quick to assume the worst and question your character,” she said.
The diagnosis took a severe toll not just on Areej, but also on her family, who stood by her through the ordeal. The mental trauma was immense, and the fear of death made her reflect on her life and faith.
“The thought of recurrence keeps me grounded, reminds me of death, and pushes me to live more meaningfully. I was not ready to face Allah and wanted another shot at life,” she shared.
Though she is now cancer-free, Areej will continue to undergo follow-up tests for years to ensure the disease does not return. Areej cautioned her followers not to be misled by influencers or the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online.
“What they show is not always true, behind their happy facade are their own struggles and hardships,” she said.
She also strongly discouraged relying on desi hacks or home remedies for serious health issues.
“If you feel something is wrong, don’t ignore it or treat it with home remedies. Get yourself checked. No symptom should be taken lightly. Be serious about your health and never take it for granted,”
she stressed.
Her own case was detected early due to mild symptoms, which played a key role in her survival.
Areej Fatyma left the entertainment industry in 2019, two years after marrying Dr Uzair Ali. She now lives in Ohio, USA, with her husband and their two sons. She had reportedly left the industry to follow Islam.
