Indo-Canadian actress Lisa Ray, who likes to call herself a cancer "graduate" after surviving the disease, never feared over her looks after chemotherapy sessions. She says her appearance is not a source of insecurity for her. "When you are fighting for your life, everything comes second. And then when you are better, you realise how much energy and time we waste in life thinking about insignificant things. My appearance is not a source of insecurity. I have shaved my head for 'Water' and I appeared on the cover of a magazine bald. It's not a big deal," Lisa told IANS in an e-mail interview from Mumbai. In 2009, Lisa was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells known as plasma cells, which produce antibodies.

A year later, she announced that she was cancer-free, after a stem cell transplant. As multiple myeloma is an incurable disease, she is not completely cured of the disease. On being looked at as an inspiration for the youth, Lisa said, "So many people supported me when I went through cancer, prayed and sent me messages. The least I can do is pay it forward. It is so important to speak openly about cancer and reduce the fear factor. I am humbled and hope I can continue to serve in some small way."