A video call, a barking dog and a shock diagnosis: Bisma Lalji’s back pain revealed Stage 4 breast cancer

When 35-year-old Bisma Lalji first felt a sharp ache in her back, she assumed it was exhaustion or stress. What began as a pain she tried to dismiss turned into a lifesaving alarm: doctors later found Stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her spine. Her experience is a reminder to pay attention to subtle changes in the body.

The episode started while Bisma was working from home. Midway through a video meeting the pain intensified so quickly she could barely move. Initially she convinced herself it was a pulled muscle, but the discomfort escalated. Her voice grew faint when she called for help, and it was her dog’s barking that finally alerted her mother that something was seriously wrong.

At first, the family tried home remedies — rest, warm compresses and food — hoping the pain would ease. Nothing helped. When her father returned and saw how weak she was, he insisted she go to hospital. Bisma could hardly walk to the car and the urgency of the situation became clear.

Emergency scans and tests produced a diagnosis no one expected: Stage 4 breast cancer with spread to the bones in her spine. There had been no noticeable lump or obvious breast changes, so the news felt like a shock. Bisma had believed lumps were the primary warning sign, but her case proved otherwise.

Medical experts say that while a lump is a common indicator of breast cancer, symptoms can appear in other ways. Persistent or unusual back and bone pain, ongoing exhaustion or new, unexplained aches can signal that disease has reached the skeleton. Timely investigation is essential when symptoms persist or feel different from ordinary pain.

Bisma’s story carries a clear lesson for people of all ages: don’t write off persistent pain as just work or stress. Back pain from heavy lifting, long hours or strain is often harmless, but pain that won’t subside, comes on suddenly, or feels unlike anything you’ve felt before deserves medical attention. Early diagnosis can make treatment more manageable and improve outcomes.

Research supports this caution. A 2017 paper in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine noted that, although rare, back pain can sometimes be the first sign of breast cancer that has reached the spine. The study emphasised that while most back pain is benign, pain that doesn’t improve should prompt further tests, including imaging.

Today Bisma channels her experience into helping others: she works as an Integrative Cancer Recovery Coach, offering guidance and support to patients and survivors. She shares her story in the hope that others will act sooner rather than later, because a delay could make treatment far harder.

Her journey also highlights the value of emotional support and clear communication for anyone facing cancer. Family, medical teams and personal resolve all played a role in her care. Many people hesitate to speak up about symptoms for fear of overreacting, but early conversations with loved ones and clinicians can save lives.

Her simple advice is direct and heartfelt: “Listen to your body. Do not ignore your pain. If something does not feel right, get it checked.” These few words are meant for everyone, young and old, as a prompt to seek help early.

Ultimately, Bisma’s experience urges people to take persistent or unusual pain seriously and for families to support loved ones who report new symptoms. In the rush of daily life it’s easy to overlook discomfort, but prioritising health can make all the difference.