Émilie Dequenne Opens Up About Cancer Battle
In a heartfelt interview on TF1's 'Sept à Huit', actress Émilie Dequenne revealed her ongoing struggle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, corticosurrenal carcinoma, which affects the adrenal glands. The 43-year-old Belgian actress shared that she is facing a recurrence of the disease, stating, "I know full well that I won't live as long as expected." This candid admission comes after she had previously announced her diagnosis in October 2023, which had kept her away from film sets since then.
Dequenne described her experience with the illness, recalling the moment she learned of her condition: "I was filming, I had a stomach ache, I was very tired, and then a nightmare began. A strange blood test, a mass on the scan. I was terrified." She emphasized the emotional toll of her diagnosis, expressing feelings of isolation despite having a supportive network. "Talking about my illness is something I need because it is already extremely heavy and difficult to live with. You feel very alone," she explained.
The Impact of Cancer on Dequenne's Life
During the interview, Dequenne discussed the physical and emotional challenges she faces, including the need for hospitalization and the prospect of losing her hair again due to chemotherapy. She described her treatment regimen, stating that she takes around thirty medications daily. Despite the hardships, she maintains a sense of hope, saying, "I trust medicine. I hope that research for my cancer will continue to advance."
The actress, who gained fame for her role in 'Rosetta' and won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999, expressed her desire to live a long life, stating, "I've always dreamed of living until I'm at least 80 and falling asleep for good in my sleep. That's what I'm asking for."
A Call for Awareness and Research
Dequenne's candidness about her battle with cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those with rare diseases. She highlighted the importance of discussing her illness publicly, not only for her own therapeutic needs but also to raise awareness about the challenges of living with such a condition. "I did a special oncology training course this past year," she said ironically, underscoring the severity and rarity of her diagnosis, which affects only one or two people in a million annually.
As she continues her fight against cancer, Dequenne's story resonates with many, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and support for those battling similar health challenges.
