How Sanjay Dutt fought stage 4 lung cancer with chemo and resolve

Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2020, Sanjay Dutt turned to chemotherapy, exercise, and family support in his fight against non-small cell lung cancer-diagnosed only after symptoms turned severe

On screen, Sanjay Dutt has taken bullets, beaten villains, and walked through fire without flinching. But in 2020, the man known for his larger-than-life roles was hit with a real-life plot twist he never saw coming: stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. What started as a nagging backache turned into the toughest fight of his life. And this time, there was no script, no retakes—just raw courage, chemo, and a battle he had to win for real. 

My heart is filled with gratitude as I share this news with all of you today. Thank you ???????? pic.twitter.com/81sGvWWpoe

— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) October 21, 2020

 

‘You can’t pin him down’: Priya Dutt on his recovery

Recently, his sister Priya Dutt opened up about this challenging period in an interview with journalist and YouTuber Vickey Lalwani. She described Sanjay’s August 2020 diagnosis as a “shocking revelation” for the entire family. Recalling the time as “crazy,” she noted, “His career had taken off again, and he was getting good movies. And suddenly… then decisions happened. He went through everything. He was very strong through it all.”

 

Priya emphasised Sanjay’s resilience, stating, “He is the kind of guy who takes whatever in his stride. You can’t pin him down for too long. He will always get up and come back.” She also highlighted the family’s unity: “We give each other space, but the moment there is a problem, we all rally together.”

 

She said Sanjay insisted on not being treated like a patient and refused to let the illness define him. According to her, he would often work out immediately after chemotherapy sessions. 

What is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85 per cent of all lung cancer cases. It includes subtypes like adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Compared to small cell lung cancer, NSCLC cells are larger and generally grow and spread more slowly.

What are the early symptoms of NSCLC?

NSCLC can be sneaky in its early stages, which is why it often gets diagnosed late—as in Sanjay Dutt’s case. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Back or chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood (in some cases)

Sanjay initially mistook his symptoms for back strain and ignored them until breathlessness sent him to the hospital.

How is NSCLC diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:

• Chest X-rays or CT scans
• PET scans to detect spread
• Biopsy of lung tissue or fluid
• Blood tests
• Molecular testing to check for genetic mutations

Sanjay was diagnosed at stage 4, meaning the cancer had already spread beyond the lungs, making the fight even tougher.

How common is lung cancer in India?

Lung cancer is the most common cancer among Indian men and the fifth most common among women. According to the WHO’s Global Cancer Observatory 2022 data:

• India reported 81,000 new lung cancer cases in 2022
• Of these, 58,900 were men and 22,700 were women

Risk factors include smoking, air pollution, second-hand smoke, asbestos exposure, and genetic predisposition.

How is NSCLC treated in India?

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, type, and molecular profile. Options include:

• Surgery (for early stages)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy (if mutations like EGFR or ALK are found)
• Immunotherapy

 

Sanjay underwent a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. According to his sister, his disciplined fitness routine and positive mindset played a big role in recovery.

Can lung cancer be prevented?

While not all lung cancer can be prevented, the following steps help reduce risk:

• Avoid tobacco
• Reduce exposure to air pollution
• Use protective gear against industrial toxins
• Maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle
• Get regular screenings if in a high-risk group

A message of awareness and early action

Sanjay Dutt’s cancer journey is a reminder to never ignore persistent symptoms. His battle is proof that early detection, medical support, and personal resolve can make a significant difference. For many, it’s not about being fearless—but about choosing to fight anyway.  For more health updates and wellness insights, follow #HealthWithBS