Age 85. Radiations 85: Indian expat grandma beats cancer thrice, becomes inspiration

Dubai: At 85, Bhama Subramanian has stared cancer in the face not once, but three times over the last 25 years and each time, walked away stronger.

The Dubai-based Indian expat grandmother has undergone 85 radiation sessions, in addition to a surgery and seven chemotherapy sessions. On Friday, at an event to mark the upcoming Cancer Survivors Day, she stated the obvious—she was not just a survivor, but a winner!

“Today, I am here not as a survivor, but as a winner—three times,” she told the audience at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

“I am grateful to my doctors, family, friends, and fellow warriors,” she said, before sharing the timeline and types of cancer she had overcome.

“In 2000, I had breast cancer—stage two. In 2002, it was in my parotid gland, and two years ago, in my spine—stage four. Each time, I learnt to appreciate life.”

Addressing fellow survivors, she said: “You are stronger than you think. No matter how many times life knocks you down, you can rise again and again. Love and blessings.”

Speaking to Gulf News later, Bhama credited her philosophy of “taking life as it comes and staying positive” as the secret to her victory.
A die-hard cricket fan, she keeps herself busy enjoying reading, solving Sudoku and crosswords, discussing politics, and engaging in all kinds of conversations.

Brave survivors

Bhama was one of five brave survivors—who had overcome breast cancer ranging from stage zero to stage four—who shared their inspirational stories, urging women to take proactive steps such as self-breast examinations and early detection for a complete cure.

Stage one survivor Shazia Kouser recalled how both she and her mother were diagnosed with breast cancer just two months apart in 2021.

“Hiding my treatment from her was a bigger battle,” said the former makeup artist and hair stylist, who once had long hair and had to go bald after her treatment.

Attributing her recovery to self-examination and early detection, she said: “Early detection can save your life. Support your loved ones, but don’t forget to care for yourself. My message to everyone—man, woman, or child—is this: Notice your body. If it gives you a sign, act at the right time, and never delay a decision that could save a life. Prioritise yourself, because you matter.”

Stage one survivor Premila D’Souza, a former banker and now a grandmother, said: “There is life beyond cancer. You should not fear cancer. Cancer should fear you.” She also highlighted the need for yearly mammograms for women above 40.

Defying taboos, stigma

Stage two survivor was the organiser of the cancer awareness and hair donation event herself. Premi Mathew is the founder of Hair for Hope India and the Protect Your Mom (PYM) campaign, who has touched the lives of hundreds of women in the UAE and India over the past 14 years.

Having beaten cancer 16 years ago, Premi said her life’s mission since then has been to encourage women to be proactive and protect themselves.

“As the world celebrates World Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, I am really honoured to have five survivors at various stages of cancer, defying all taboos and stigma to drive home the importance of early detection. This movement started with a personal journey and turned into a mission—to give confidence, courage, and comfort to those fighting cancer. It’s not cancer that kills. It is ignorance. Early detection is not just an option, it’s a lifesaver.”

Stage three survivor Renuka Parameswar Sharma, a Carnatic music teacher and event organiser whose cancer fight was highlighted by Gulf News last year, confessed how neglecting her health due to her busy schedule led to her cancer being detected only at stage three.

“I took a step back, but then I thought—why sit and cry? I wanted to create awareness so others wouldn’t delay. I kept teaching during chemotherapy, kept going out, because if even one person saw me and decided to get checked, that was enough for me,” said Renuka, who has since completed treatment and resumed organising events.

Five fashion students dressed up to represent the various stages of cancer, driving home the message visually.

Giving hope with hair

Hosted by 15-year-old Jovita Bhaumik, director of PYM, the ‘Cut-A-Thon’ session of the event saw around 40 individuals aged six to 75—including women, girls, and four boys —donate their hair to make wigs for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

From a mother who lost her two-year-old daughter to cancer and a son whose father beat the disease to a patient about to begin chemotherapy as well as an 18-year-old wheelchair user with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, some donors also had emotional stories behind their decision to donate their long locks.

The donated hair will go to the Sharjah-based Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), which converts it into natural wigs provided free of cost to cancer patients across the UAE.

In an awareness session, Dr. Nishi Singh, Consultant Medical Microbiologist-Virologist at Conceive Gynecology and Fertility Hospital and Adjunct Professor at Khalifa University, urged everyone to be proactive in detecting and treating cancer. She highlighted genetic factors and the need to boost immunity through a healthy lifestyle.

Bijender Singh, Head of Chancery and Consul (Protocol, Welfare and Culture) at the Indian Consulate, joined organisers to launch the hair donation drive by cutting the long hair of 10-year-old Devamsh Panicker, donating his hair for the second time. He also appreciated the survivors and donors for uniting for a noble cause.

Another guest, Reema Mahajan, founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), said:

"This event is not just about hair—it’s about healing. It’s about standing beside those in battle and showing them they are not alone. Through awareness and action, we can turn fear into strength and loss into hope.”

IWD is a community of around 40,000 Indian expat women, and some of its members were also among the donors.