Sonia Gandhi reveals cancer battles, Italy surgery in new book

Sonia Gandhi has revealed details of her health struggles in a new book, disclosing that she travelled to Italy for breast cancer surgery in 2010 on medical advice. The Congress president sought treatment at the European Institute of Oncology near Milan to escape intense media coverage that would have accompanied any domestic procedure.

Gandhi's decision to seek treatment abroad was driven by her desire to maintain privacy during her medical crisis. She chose to undergo the surgical intervention away from the glare of India's news cycles, allowing her to focus on her health without the added burden of constant public scrutiny.

The memoir marks one of the few occasions Gandhi has publicly discussed her medical history. Her disclosure confirms longstanding speculation about her health status during her tenure as Congress president, a period marked by significant political developments in Indian politics.

Gandhi's battle with cancer was not her first encounter with the disease. The political leader has fought the illness on multiple occasions throughout her life, demonstrating resilience during her decades-long involvement with Indian politics.