Rajdeep Sardesai opened up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, surgery and recovery at the India Today Health Wealth Conclave 2026. Speaking alongside his treating doctor, Dr Anshuman Agarwal, he discussed early detection, cancer awareness, family support and how the experience changed his outlook on life and living in the moment.Rajdeep Sardesai opened up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, surgery and recovery at the India Today Health Wealth Conclave 2026.

Rajdeep Sardesai had tickets to watch India play England at Lord's. Instead, a phone call in June last year changed his summer plans completely.

The veteran journalist had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.Speaking on Day 2 of the India Today Health Wealth Conclave 2026, during a session titled 'Humne Cancer Ko Haraya', Sardesai opened up about his cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery in a conversation with his treating doctor, Dr Anshuman Agarwal, Senior Urologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.His first reaction to the diagnosis? "Why me?""I had planned to go on a foreign trip to England. I had the tickets to watch India versus England at Lord's.

Instead, I was then having to deal with what kind of surgery, what are my options," he recalled. Sardesai said his prostate cancer was detected at an early stage, though it was high-grade.

Interestingly, he had not initially gone for a cancer check-up. He was preparing for a hernia operation when routine tests revealed a falling blood count and elevated PSA levels.

Further investigations, including an MRI and targeted fusion biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis.FROM CANCER DIAGNOSIS TO RECOVERYDr Agarwal explained that he presented Sardesai with two treatment options: surgery and radiation. He encouraged him to seek independent opinions before deciding.

Sardesai eventually opted for surgery. He credited his son, a doctor himself, with helping him process the diagnosis.

His son's reassurance helped him stop feeling sorry for himself and focus on dealing with the disease.The recovery was not without difficult moments. Sardesai spent five days in hospital and kept himself occupied with comedy films, cricket and his Kishore Kumar playlist.Today, he is in remission and undergoes regular follow-ups, which have moved from monthly checks to once every six months.WHY MEN SHOULD NOT IGNORE PROSTATE CANCERDr Agarwal warned that prostate cancer can develop without obvious symptoms.

Urinary problems may be mistaken for normal signs of ageing, while some patients may not experience symptoms at all.He explained that men with a family history of prostate problems, particularly among first-degree relatives, should be more proactive about screening. He suggested discussing screening from the late 40s or early 50s in such cases.

Men without a family history should also consider screening around the age of 55.Sardesai also called for greater public awareness and easier access to cancer screening in India. He said people should not treat a cancer diagnosis as a stigma or something to hide.'LIVE IN THE MOMENT'For Sardesai, the experience changed how he looks at life."You don't take life for granted," he said, adding that he now wants to travel more and spend less time worrying about what might happen months from now.He also thanked his wife, children, friends and assistant for standing by him during treatment and recovery.His message was simple: treasure the people who stand beside you when you are at your weakest."Life is a journey.

You will have highs and you will have lows, and I think you need to enjoy the highs and cope with the lows."- Ends