Presenter Samia Afreen reveals second cancer diagnosis

Presenter Samia Afreen, who has been battling cancer since 2022, has revealed that she was diagnosed with a malignant tumour for the second time three months ago.

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This time, Samia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent surgery immediately. Subsequent tests identified the tumour as a “high-grade carcinoma”, for which she is now receiving chemotherapy.

The presenter shared details of her latest battle with cancer in a Facebook post on Sunday (August 23), alongside a video showing her new short haircut.

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“Just three months ago, a second malignant tumour was detected in my body—ovarian cancer. I had to undergo surgery immediately. Unfortunately, it was a high-grade carcinoma, so I now have to go through chemotherapy,” she wrote.
While Samia has been undergoing cancer treatment for several years, this is her first experience with chemotherapy. Following her initial diagnosis, she was treated with immunotherapy.

“I have been fighting cancer for the past five years. The first time, I did not have to undergo chemotherapy; I was treated with immunotherapy. So this experience is somewhat different for me,” she wrote.

After doctors informed her that chemotherapy could cause hair loss, Samia decided to cut her hair short, choosing to approach the change on her own terms.
“The doctor said my hair may fall out because of chemotherapy. So instead of feeling upset about it, I decided to accept it spontaneously. There is no point in feeling bad about everything—the important thing is to be able to adapt to things with time,” she said.

Sharing the video of her new look, Samia added, “I know my hair may fall out in a few days. But before that happens, I wanted to celebrate this new look and motivate myself a little.”

Reflecting on the difficulties of cancer treatment, the presenter said the experience is best understood by those who have gone through it themselves.
“Those who have been through this journey know how difficult this fight is. I truly hope that none of my loved ones ever have to go through a journey like this,” she wrote.

Samia also asked her well-wishers to keep her in their prayers as she continues treatment.

“May Allah make everything easier for me. Just as I did the last time, I hope I can stay strong this time as well and return to my normal life very soon,” she wrote.

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Samia was first diagnosed with cancer in 2022. After experiencing physical discomfort in April that year, she underwent tests at a hospital in Dhaka, where a cancerous tumour was detected. She later travelled to Singapore with her husband for treatment.