The model-turned-actress decided to undergo medical examination earlier this year after she felt 'exhausted, pale and drained' all the time. It was only after a thorough examination that Lisa was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on June 23rd 2009.

Multiple myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer arising from plasma cells, which are normally found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells form part of your immune system, which is why Lisa was feeling so weak all the time. Although a large amount of research has been done to investigate the potential causes of myeloma, nothing has been proven to date.

Explaining her disease, Lisa Ray said, 'Myeloma is incurable. It's a relatively rare cancer of the bone marrow. Every year, approximately 2,100 more cases are diagnosed. I'm a junior member in many ways, having been diagnosed at 37, while the average age is 65.