Calcutta: The world seemed to crumble for Keya Roy the day the doctor diagnosed her with cancer. It took some time for the former India cricketer to come to terms with reality but she vowed to fight it with vigour.

Yuvraj Singh’s successful comeback from the dreaded disease served as a “huge inspiration”.

“I went into severe depression once I came to know about it. But then I remembered Yuvraj and his exploits on the field after recovering from cancer. He is my idol when it comes to battling the disease,” Keya said at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

“Being a sportsperson definitely helped… I had the mental strength and will power to go through the trauma and pain of recovery. But Yuvraj’s example certainly served as a huge inspiration in my recovering fully and being able to lead a normal life,” said the 57-year-old Keya.

She never thought she would have cancer since she maintained a healthy lifestyle and didn’t have any health-related issues. “Before cancer, I never had any problems. I maintained a healthy lifestyle. I can say that cancer is not related to your lifestyle.

“I was detected with Endometrial cancer in February 2017 with stage one malignancy.

“A frozen biopsy was done and it was diagnosed that I had grade 2 stage 1 cancer. I was operated upon at Woodlands and five organs were removed,” Keya, who played 4 Tests against New Zealand in 1976-77, said.

Then she was treated at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai for close to four months.

“I am grateful to my oncologist, radiation expert for their encouragement. For close to two months, I couldn’t eat anything… I would vomit and had other related repercussions… Now I am free of cancer. Doctors have asked me to lead a healthy life with a few minor restrictions,” said Keya, who is also a Bengal selector.

She is also thankful to her family members, the Cricket Association of Bengal and the doctors for all the support.“The doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital were a source of encouragement. The women's World Cup was on in England during that period… Everyday the doctor would come and discuss cricket with me. The spell by Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur's performance, Mithali Raj reading a book before going out to bat… It helped me to stay a bit relaxed.”

What is her message to cancer-stricken patients? “Never lose heart. Stay positive and believe that you can lead a normal life again… Early detection is very important. Think about Yuvraj, who overcame cancer and achieved success at the highest level. He is an inspiration to all of us.”