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Popular actress Hina Khan recently addressed the rumours surrounding her health and confirmed that she has stage 3 breast cancer – a news that has raised concerns and questions among her fans and the general public. Breast cancer is a serious health condition that affects many women across the world and is a type of cancer that originates in the breast tissue but can be classified into different stages depending on the extent of the disease.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Surabhi Siddharth, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, said, “Stage 3 breast cancer indicates that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby tissues, but has not yet reached distant organs. Regular self-examination and clinical breast examination are very important for early detection of abnormalities.”
Warning signs to look out for:
Dr. Kanuri V.S. Rao, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Predomics, explained, “The presence of a breast lump is the primary early sign to be alert to. Regular self-examination helps women detect any abnormal lumps or changes in the breast tissue. Additionally, changes in breast shape or size, including asymmetry or swelling, should not be ignored, as they could potentially be a sign of breast cancer. Skin changes on the breast, such as redness, thickening, dimpling or puckering, should be carefully monitored. Similarly, any changes in the nipple, such as inversion, deviation or scaling, are worth paying attention to. Any unexplained discharge from the nipple regardless of color and persistent or unexplained breast pain are additional signs that require prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.”
She explained that it is very important for women who have a family history of breast cancer or who have a genetic predisposition to be aware of early symptoms. She said, “They should be alert to any changes in the breast, especially if they occur at a young age, multiple family members are affected, male relatives have a history of breast cancer, or known BRCA gene mutations are present. Most breast cancer symptoms are recognized by women during daily activities such as bathing or applying deodorant, which emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the shape and texture of the breast and being alert to any signs, especially lumps. Women should seek medical help immediately if they experience any symptoms of breast cancer, regardless of the severity, as delaying diagnosis is unnecessary and can lead to poor outcomes.”
Dr. Monika Gulati from Lovely Professional University shares her expertise on this, “The most common warning sign of breast cancer that should never be ignored is the appearance of a lump or mass in the breasts. Even a lump in the underarm can be a sign of breast cancer. Breast cancer spreads through the lymph nodes present in the underarm. Therefore, any lump in the breast or underarm should be investigated further. Also, any swelling in the breast that does not look like a lump should not be ignored.”
He added, “Although such swelling may occur due to certain conditions like certain allergies, infections or even pregnancy, it should not be taken lightly, especially if it is accompanied by irritation, redness, dimpling or any abnormal change in size, shape, texture or temperature. Any abnormal discharge from the nipple which may be clear, bloody or of any colour is also a warning sign. Further investigations should also be done in case of any inversion, itching, burning or development of lesions in the nipple area. Another important fact to be added here is that breast cancer also occurs in men and is generally not noticed as it is rare. Hence, any such symptoms in men should also be considered a red flag.”
Why are preventive checkups important?
Dr. Surabhi Siddharth responded, “Preventive screening offers a powerful advantage: early intervention. Catching cancer in its earliest stages allows for more treatable options, leading to higher cure rates and less invasive procedures. Early detection also leads to less extensive treatments, reduces potential side effects and improves quality of life. Most importantly, it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.”
Breast Cancer Treatment:
According to Dr. Surabhi Siddharth, “Treatment for stage 3 breast cancer usually involves a combination of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. The specific treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of breast cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the person’s overall health.”
Hina Khan’s story is a powerful reminder. Taking responsibility for your breast health through self-examination, regular checkups, and promptly seeking medical help for any changes can make a huge difference. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and the best screening options for you. Remember, early detection is the key to winning the battle against breast cancer.
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