The Stigma Almost Hurt as Much as the Tumour | Shahleen’s Story

Shahleen Hussain was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in 2014, when she was just 14 years old.It began with passing out in school, nosebleeds, and double vision.What followed was years of hospital appointments, scans, uncertainty, steroid treatment, seizures, and the life-changing reality of living with both a brain tumour and epilepsy from a young age.Because of where the tumour is located, it is inoperable. Shahleen has lived for years with six-monthly MRI and CT scans, ongoing symptoms, and the fear that one day doctors may tell her it has started growing again.In this incredibly honest interview, Shahleen shares:• Being diagnosed as a child• Her parents being told she had only six months to live• Missing school and watching her whole family be affected• Bullying after steroid-related weight gain• Hair loss, weak teeth, and long-term side effects• Living with epilepsy caused by the tumour• The fear and trauma of repeated hospital stays• The financial strain on her family• The silence and stigma in parts of her community• Being told not to talk about illness because it brings “shame”• Why she is now speaking up publicly for othersShahleen’s story is not only about survival.It is about breaking stigma.It is about challenging harmful beliefs.It is about making sure no one feels ashamed of a medical condition.Now 23, Shahleen is using her voice to raise awareness for brain tumours, epilepsy, and the cultural barriers that stop some people from seeking help.This episode is part of a 31-day series sharing real brain tumour stories for Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2026.If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Every story helps raise awareness.⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses childhood brain tumour diagnosis, seizures, epilepsy, bullying, medical trauma, and cultural stigma around illness.