Emraan Hashmi recalls the fateful turn of events leading to son Ayaan’s cancer diagnosis in 2014: ‘We were eating pizza…’; how parents can deal with such challenges | Lifestyle News

Murder actor Emraan Hashmi recently opened up about a low phase in his life, when his son Ayaan Hashmi was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the mere age of 3 years 10 months.Recalling the fateful day’s events, Emraan said, “It happened in January 2014. It was a big shock. We were never prepared for this ailment. My life changed in one afternoon. We had gone for a brunch on January 13, 2014. We were eating pizza with our son. The first symptom that appeared or erupted was on that table,” shared Emraan in a conversation with podcaster Ranveer Allabadia.
“He passed blood in his urine. From that moment, a joyous brunch turned into chaos. We were at a doctor’s clinic in the next three hours. The doctor told us that our son had cancer. We had to do an operation the next day. After that, he required chemotherapy. So, my whole world flipped in a matter of 12 hours. But before that, the family had never witnessed any such symptoms. That time, he was 3 years and 10 months old. Generally, that cancer appears in some kids before 4 years old. It’s called Wilm’s tumour, a rare kidney cancer that affects children,” Emraan, 46, added.
Ayaan was subsequently declared cancer-free in 2019.
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Taking a cue from his shocking revelation, let’s understand how parents can practically and emotionally deal with such situations.
In young children aged 3–4 years, while the early symptoms of cancer can be subtle and may often be maken for common childhood illnesses, sure warning signs warrant closer attention, said Dr Neeraj Goel, director, oncology services, GI Oncology, GI & HPB Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi.
Common symptoms include persent fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and frequent bruising or bleeding without apparent injury. “These could be general indicators of an underlying health issue, including cancers like leukemia. Specific cancers also have characteric symptoms. For instance, children with leukemia may experience bone and joint pain, pale skin, and swollen lymph nodes. Wilms’ tumour, which affects the kidneys, often presents as swelling in the abdomen, fever, and abdominal pain,” said Dr Goel.
Dr Goel added that these symptoms, especially when persent or worsening, should be promptly evaluated a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.Story continues below this ad
Receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis can be an emotionally overwhelming experience for any parent. “It is important to understand that early detection and medical advancements have significantly improved treatment outcomes. Educating yourself about your child’s condition, understanding the treatment options, and staying informed about potential side effects are crucial steps in navigating this journey,” said Dr Goel.
There are various types of cancers (Photo: Pexels)
Communication with the healthcare team is vital—don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns. At the same time, caring for your emotional well-being is equally important.

“Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors, and consider joining parent support groups to connect with others going through similar experiences,” said Dr Goel.

For practical coping, stay organised maintaining records of appointments and medications. Support your child emotionally being honest and age-appropriate in your explanations, offering reassurance, and maintaining as much of a routine as possible to provide stability.Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.