From battling cancer to finishing Ironman: How a police officer fought a life-threatening illness and defied the odds

DCP Nidhin Valsan’s book, Cancerman to Ironman: A Police Officer’s Journey of Arresting Illness, is a powerful narrative of unwavering courage in the face of incredible odds. An officer from Kerala, Valsan’s career and life took him across varied Union Territories—from Delhi to Lakshadweep to Goa—where he faced numerous professional and personal challenges. The most significant of these was his diagnosis of cancer, which transformed his life into one of sheer resilience, defined by his family and his own grit in overcoming one of life’s toughest battles.

Valsan had already served for three and a half years in Delhi as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police before being transferred to Goa from Lakshadweep, where he took up the position of Superintendent of Police (SP) Headquarters. Known for his uncompromising approach to law enforcement, he made headlines in Delhi for cases that involved the recovery of stolen goods and high-profile arrests. One of his most remarkable achievements in Delhi was the record-breaking recovery of 26 crore worth of stolen electronics, which earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records. “We achieved that recovery in record time,” he recounts. “It was a testament to the teamwork and dedication that goes into our line of duty.”

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However, Valsan’s dedication to his role was tested by an impossible challenge. Not more than a week after his arrival in Goa, he started experiencing symptoms persistently. “At first, I thought it was all in my head. I went through several check-ups, ruling out infection after infection,” he recalls of his initial confusion and frustration. “I even thought it was psychological and started taking medications to soothe my mind, but nothing helped.” A doctor friend eventually performed a comprehensive investigation that sealed the rest of his fate forever— Valsan had cancer.

The book vividly describes the gruelling fight through chemotherapy and recovery, which Valsan faced with tenacious support from his family. “The treatment was brutal,” he recalls. “Chemotherapy took a brutal toll not just on me, but on my whole family. It was six to seven months of pure agony.” Yet, from that round, he emerged invigorated with the will to regain his strength. This brought him to the Ironman triathlon, one of the most gruelling endurance events in the world.

“If I can finish an Ironman within a year, I thought, I will be able to say something to the world—that nothing is impossible,” Valsan says. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike, and a 26.2 mile run, all done consecutively without stopping. The preparation for this was brutal, but Valsan stuck to it, believing that if he could conquer the triathlon, he could conquer cancer too. “I wanted to prove to people that even amidst such a fear inspiring evil as cancer, you can achieve incredible things if you refuse to give up,” he says.

The book also delves into the harsh reality of Valsan’s second battle with cancer, which resurfaced not long after he completed his first Ironman. This second encounter was far more gruelling, leading him into depression and even suicidal tendencies. “The second experience was very devastating,” he shares candidly. “I had to consult with a psychologist and psychiatrist, and I even needed medication to pull me through.” His openness about mental health struggles serves as a vibrant beacon in a society that often shies away from broaching the subject of mental health. “Mental health is not something to be ignored,” he underlines. “Just like we take care of our bodies, our mental well-being needs care too. Therapy, meditation, and medication are not symptoms of weakness; they are signs of strength. Affirmations, meditation, self-help books—these things make a difference.”

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Valsan’s reflections on the support of his family provide a deeply emotional core to the book. “The most important thing that kept me going was my family,” he says. “Seeing the smiles on my children’s faces, the constant support from my wife and parents—it all reminded me of the beauty of life and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” The encouragement from his family and his personal resilience helped Valsan overcome the second battle with cancer, during which he received intensive treatments, including salvage chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. “I was taken to AIIMS for 21 days along with my wife in a secluded ward,” he says. “I didn’t take a single drop of water or eat anything properly for 15-16 days. Everything was done through injections— injections of food, water, medicines for pain. It was unbearable.”

The book details how Valsan returned to his duties with renewed zeal, dealing with high-profile cases and supervising investigations despite his health battles. “Every day, in our line of work, brings a new set of challenges. Solving cases and bringing justice to victims keeps you going,” he reflects. This narrative showcases the resilience of a man who refused to let illness dictate his life.

Valsan’s book is not just a memoir; it is a guide for those facing their own battles. He emerges as both a mental and physical health crusader, advocating for seeking help for mental health issues and engaging regularly in some form of mental health exercise. His journey from a cancer patient to an Ironman competitor is a testament to the power of human will and determination.

Cancerman to Ironman: A Police Officer’ Journey of Arresting Illness sold more than 10,000 copies and became a national bestseller. It is a story that inspires, encourages, and reminds us that no matter what problems come our way, there is always hope. “Life is beautiful, and it’s worth fighting for,” Valsan says. His final message in the book is simple yet powerful: “Never, ever give up. Whatever challenges may come your way, remember that the will to live and the strength within you can conquer anything.”

This book is a must-read for anyone in need of motivation and hope. DCP Nidhin Valsan’s journey is a testament to how one man’s willpower can save the day, offering inspiration to all those facing their own battles in life.