The passing of actress Pravina Deshpande at the age of 60 has once again drawn attention to a disease many people fail to recognise early — blood cancer.
While tributes poured in following the Pravina Deshpande death, the larger concern is the illness she had reportedly been battling quietly: blood cancer.
Often misunderstood and frequently detected late, blood cancer includes conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. In many cases, the early signs of blood cancer are subtle enough to be dismissed as routine fatigue or seasonal illness.
The Illness Behind the Headlines
According to family statements, Deshpande had been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy. Colleagues later shared that she continued working despite her condition, rarely speaking about her health struggles.
Her journey underscores a common pattern. Many patients either ignore or misread blood cancer symptoms, especially in the initial stages.
Blood Cancer Warning Signs People Often Miss
Unlike some cancers that show visible lumps or clear pain, blood cancer can develop quietly.
Common blood cancer warning signs include:
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Persistent and extreme fatigue
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Frequent infections
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Unexplained weight loss
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Fever that doesn’t subside
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Easy bruising or bleeding gums
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Night sweats
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Pale skin or shortness of breath
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Bone pain
Health experts say these symptoms are often mistaken for stress, weakness, or viral infections. If such signs continue for weeks, medical consultation becomes critical.
A routine blood test can sometimes detect abnormalities early, improving treatment outcomes significantly.
Why Early Detection Matters
Globally, awareness around blood cancers has grown, but diagnosis delays remain common. Unlike solid tumors, blood-related cancers may not present immediate visible symptoms, leading many to seek help only when the disease has progressed.
Deshpande’s passing is not just a loss for the film and television industry. It serves as a reminder that persistent health changes should not be ignored.
Beyond the Screen
Pravina Deshpande worked across Hindi and Marathi cinema and television, appearing in films such as Ready, Ek Villain and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran. On television, she was part of popular serials including Ghar Ek Mandir and Kumkum.
But beyond her on-screen roles, her story now draws attention to a broader public health issue.
The focus shifts from celebrity to condition — from tribute to awareness.
