On July 30, 2025, Monika Choudhary, a 29-year-old woman known for her disciplined approach to clean eating, took to Instagram to share a deeply personal revelation-she had been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Her story has quickly resonated with thousands, serving as a stark reminder that a healthy diet, while important, is not a bulletproof shield against serious illnesses.
A healthy diet, but hidden lifestyle risks
For years, Monika avoided fried or oily foods, maintained a nutrient-rich diet, and prided herself on her commitment to wellness. However, she admits that the demands of her profession gradually pulled her away from other essential pillars of health. Long work hours, excessive screen time, unrelenting deadlines, and high stress levels quietly began to erode her physical and mental well-being.
“I always believed I was doing everything right for my health. But once I started working on my website, I didn’t realise how consuming it would be,” Monika wrote in her Instagram post.
From evening runs to a sedentary routine
Monika recalled how active she used to be, with evening runs acting as her daily therapy and stress-relief ritual. But as work pressures grew, her once-energetic lifestyle turned into a sedentary one. Outdoor activities became rare, exercise took a back seat, and she repeatedly told herself she’d “get back to it soon”- a promise that never materialised.
Warning signs ignored
As the months went by, her body began showing signs of distress-fatigue, discomfort, and a constant feeling of unease. She dismissed these symptoms as the side effects of overwork and lack of sleep, never imagining they could signal something much more serious.
The diagnosis that changed everything
Her life took an unexpected turn when doctors confirmed she had stage 4 colorectal cancer. Reflecting on her journey, Monika now sees her illness as the cumulative result of stress, burnout, and neglect, rather than a mere stroke of bad luck.
“This diagnosis taught me the hardest lesson- no ambition is worth your health. Our bodies keep score, and eventually, they will force us to listen,” she concluded.
Monika’s story is a sobering reminder that true health requires a holistic approach- combining balanced nutrition with regular physical activity, adequate rest, stress management, and timely medical screenings. As she continues her battle, her message remains clear: career ambitions should never come at the cost of your well-being.
