Actress Hina Khan, known for starring in the hit Indian television show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The 36-year-old says she is “fully committed to overcoming this disease”. Breast cancer was found to be the most common type of cancer in women in 157 nations out of 185 in the year 2022, according to the World Health Organization. It occurs in women at any age after puberty, but it mostly affects women in later life. Read on to know more about this disease and how to prevent breast cancer.

Hina Khan confirms cancer diagnosis

Hina Khan shared the shocking news of her cancer diagnosis via a social media post.  Addressing her fans, whom she fondly calls Hinaholics, and everyone who “loves and cares” for her, she wrote, “I have been diagnosed with Stage Three Breast Cancer. Despite this challenging diagnosis, I want to reassure everyone that I am doing well. I am strong, determined, and fully committed to overcoming this disease. My treatment has already begun, and I am ready to do everything necessary to emerge from this even stronger.”

Check out her post here!

In her statement, she has also asked everyone to respect her privacy during this time. While expressing gratitude for the love, strength, and blessings, she also reached out to her social media followers to share their “personal experiences, anecdotes, and supportive suggestions” to help her navigate this journey. She says that she, along with her family and loved ones, “remain focused, determined, and positive. With the grace of the Almighty, we believe I will overcome this challenge and be completely healthy.”

Celebrities such as Ankita Lokhande, Aamir Ali, and Sayantani Ghosh sent positive vibes her way. Lokhande said, “You are stronger than this. Sending love and lots of strength”. Aamir Ali called Khan a “strong girl”.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which tumours get formed after abnormal breast cells grow out of control. It can be deadly if the tumours are left unchecked and spread throughout the body. The stage of this type of cancer depends on factors like the size and location of the primary tumour, and how much it spreads from there, as per the National Cancer Institute.

In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, causing 6,70, 000 deaths in the world, as per the WHO.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The breast cancer symptoms in women may include:

• Swelling in the breast, or armpit
• Changes in the breast skin, such as redness or dimpling, which may look like orange peel
• A change in shape or size of one or both the breasts
• Nipple discharge which may be accompanied by blood
• Breast pain that does not go away.

What are the causes of breast cancer?

Anyone can get breast cancer, but the cause is not always clear, according to the UK’s National Health Service. You may have a higher risk of breast cancer, if you:-

• Are more than 50 years old
• Have dense breast tissue, which you will find out after a breast screening
• Have family members who have had breast cancer.
• Have breast conditions, such as breast disease that is benign.

How to treat breast cancer?

The main treatment for breast cancer is usually surgery, as per NHS. There are also treatments such as:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted medicines
• Immunotherapy

How to prevent breast cancer?

Many factors, including old age and family history, can influence your breast cancer risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
You can’t change these factors, but you can help reduce the risk of breast cancer with some basic lifestyle tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active
• Try not to drink alcohol, but if you have to, make sure it is in moderation.
• Before going for hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about their risks.
• As much as possible, breastfeed your babies.

Breast cancer can be fatal, if left unchecked. So, make sure to go for regular health check-ups and also maintain a healthy lifestyle.