At 35, Bisma Lalji assumed a nagging ache was just stress or fatigue. It soon proved to be far more serious: medical tests revealed Stage 4 breast cancer that had already spread to her spine. Her experience highlights the importance of paying attention to persistent changes in the body.

The episode began while she was working from home on a video conference when an intense back pain struck without warning. She initially thought it was a pulled muscle, but the discomfort escalated so rapidly she struggled to move and her voice grew weak. It was her dog’s barking that alerted her mother to the emergency.

Her family first tried home remedies — rest, warm compresses and basic care — but the pain did not ease. When her father returned and saw her condition, he urged them to go to hospital; Bisma could barely manage the walk to the car.

Hospital scans and further tests produced a devastating revelation: Stage 4 breast cancer with metastasis to the spinal bones — the reason behind her severe back pain. The diagnosis came as a shock because she had no noticeable lump or obvious breast changes.

Doctors say a lump is a common sign, but breast cancer can appear in other ways. Persistent back or bone pain and unusual tiredness can also indicate disease spread to the skeleton, underscoring the need for timely medical evaluation.

Bisma’s story is a cautionary reminder for people of every age, particularly women, who often attribute back pain to long work hours, heavy lifting or poor posture. If pain continues for days, starts suddenly, or feels distinct from ordinary aches, it should be checked — early detection widens treatment options and can improve outcomes.

Research echoes this advice. A 2017 article in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine noted rare instances in which back pain was the presenting sign of breast cancer metastasis. While most back pain is harmless, the study recommended further investigation when pain does not resolve.

Today Bisma works as an Integrative Cancer Recovery Coach, guiding other patients and survivors through recovery. She says that delaying care could have made her situation far tougher to treat, and she urges people not to ignore worrying symptoms.

Her journey also highlights the role of emotional support: family, medical professionals and personal determination helped her through the crisis. Many people fear being judged for reporting pain, but speaking up early can save lives.

Bisma’s message is plain: “Listen to your body. Do not ignore your pain. If something feels wrong, get it checked.” That advice holds true for young and old alike — acting sooner can mean earlier treatment and a better chance of recovery.

She encourages families to take even subtle, persistent discomfort seriously and to support loved ones who raise health concerns. In the bustle of everyday life it’s easy to overlook symptoms, but prioritizing health can make all the difference.