Mumbai lost one of its beloved television actresses on August 31, 2025, as Priya Marathe, known for her roles in popular Hindi and Marathi TV shows like Pavitra Rishta, passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. She was just 38 years old. Despite undergoing treatment, she could not recover from the illness and breathed her last on Sunday morning in her Mumbai residence.
Priya Marathe had won the hearts of audiences with her versatile performances and her dedication to the craft. Her untimely demise has left a deep void in the television industry. Colleagues and fans have expressed their grief, remembering her as a talented and hardworking actress.
Why is cancer a growing health concern?
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 20 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year globally, with approximately 10 million deaths reported annually. The numbers are expected to rise, with an estimated 30 million new cases expected by 2040. Once considered an ‘old-person’s disease,’ cancer now affects people of all ages, and early detection is the only way that can improve chances of survival.
So how do you detect cancer early? What are the signs that often go unnoticed or are ignored?
Early cancer signs that often go unnoticed
One of the biggest challenges in fighting cancer is recognising its earliest symptoms, which are often subtle and easily overlooked. As per Mayo Clinic, common warning signs include unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or activity, persistent fatigue even after adequate rest, unusual lumps or swelling anywhere on the body, changes in the skin such as moles or birthmarks, and a persistent cough or hoarseness that lasts for weeks.
According to the American Cancer Society, noticing these subtle signs and seeking prompt medical advice plays a vital role in successful cancer detection and survival.
When to see a doctor
As per health experts, if you experience persistent pain without a clear cause, changes in bowel or bladder habits, difficulty swallowing or ongoing indigestion, or unexplained bleeding or unusual discharge then you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
According to the American Cancer Society, seeking medical attention at the earliest signs of these symptoms can only improve the chances of early cancer detection, allowing for more effective treatment and better survival rates.
As per Mayo Clinic, timely screenings can help detect cancers early, even before symptoms appear, and increases the chances of successful treatment.
Importance of regular screenings
Regular cancer screenings are essential, particularly for those in the high-risk category. According to the American Cancer Society, screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to detect cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. High-risk individuals include those with a family history of cancer, people with genetic predispositions such as BRCA mutations, those with previous cancer diagnoses, or individuals exposed to tobacco, alcohol, or environmental carcinogens. Screening methods such as mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer can detect abnormalities before symptoms appear.