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MasterChef Winner Pankaj Bhadouria Shares Breast Cancer Journey

MasterChef Winner Pankaj Bhadouria Shares Breast Cancer Journey
Cancer tested body but couldn’t break spirit: Pankaj Bhadouria · thehansindia.com

Pankaj Bhadouria is a chef who won the first season of MasterChef India.

She has breast cancer and has been sharing updates about her treatment.

She said the illness tested her body but did not break her spirit.

Her surgery was successful.

Doctors later found a small invasive HER2-positive part in her biopsy.

They advised 12 chemotherapy sessions and one year of targeted treatment.

Pankaj said losing her hair during chemotherapy was emotionally difficult.

She is trying to stay hopeful and grateful while recovering.

She also wants women to get regular health check-ups because finding cancer early can help.

Key facts

Diagnosis
Breast cancer
Diagnosis disclosure
May 28, 2026
Surgery
Bhadouria announced she was preparing for surgery on May 29 and later said it was successful.
Biopsy finding
A 2mm invasive HER2-positive component was found after surgery.
Recommended treatment
Twelve chemotherapy sessions followed by one year of targeted therapy.
Treatment challenge
Bhadouria described hair loss from chemotherapy as emotionally difficult.
Public message
Women should not postpone regular health check-ups because early detection can change outcomes.

Quotes

Pankaj Bhadouria

Celebrity chef, MasterChef India Season 1 winner

“I decided to cut my hair myself when I decided to go through with the treatment. It broke my heart seeing the strands falling off when I was combing my hair. I knew this was going to happen, but seeing it all actually struck me hard.”
thehansindia.com
“Cancer is not my life but it is part of my life. It made me test my strength and showed me how strong I can actually be. It gave me purpose and now I am living every moment of my life with gratitude, courage and happiness.”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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