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Hina Khan Diagnosed With Stage 3 Breast Cancer: Insights From Expert On Treatment And Early Detection

Actor Hina Khan took to Instagram to disclose that she is battling stage 3 breast cancer. She assured her fans that she has started her treatment and remains resolute in overcoming this challenge to emerge healthy and strong. She asked for privacy and assured her fans that with her family's support, she would overcome this challenge. We spoke to our expert Dr Pritam Kataria, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, who explained breast cancer, importance of early detection, and the treament measures.

"Carcinoma of the breast is the most common cancer worldwide and among females in India. The risk factors for breast cancer are diverse, encompassing both modifiable and non-modifiable elements," said Dr Kataria.

According to Cancer Research UK, Stage 3 indicates that the cancer has metastasised from the breast to nearby lymph nodes, the breast skin, or the chest wall. This stage is also known as locally advanced breast cancer and can be divided into 3A, 3B and 3C.

Breast Cancer Stages

There are four stages of breast cancer: stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4.

Early Stages (1-3): Breast cancer in stages 1, 2, and 3 can potentially be cured if detected early. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer is approximately 86%.

Advanced Stage (4): Stage 4 breast cancer is generally considered incurable, emphasising the importance of early detection to improve cure rates and reduce treatment-related morbidity.

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis of breast cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Catching the disease in its initial stages can lead to higher cure rates and less severe treatment consequences, said 

"Early detection of breast cancer is crucial. Diagnosing the disease in its initial stages significantly increases the chances of a cure for a larger percentage of the population," said Dr Kataria. Its benefits include:

Higher Cure Rates: Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment, leading to higher survivability

Reduced Morbidity: Catching the disease early can minimise the severity and side effects of the treatment

By identifying breast cancer at an early stage, patients can benefit from improved outcomes and less invasive treatment options.

Also Read: From Physical To Emotional Impact: Expert Lists Complications Of Breast Cancer You Should Know

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

"Treatment strategies for breast cancer vary depending on the stage and receptor status (ER, PR, and HER2) of the cancer," said Dr Kataria.

General Treatment Approaches

Surgery: May be performed with or without radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy

Radiation Therapy: Often used in combination with other treatments

Chemotherapy: Administered depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer

Hormone Therapy: Applied based on the hormone receptor status of the cancer

Treatment Approaches for Stage 3 Breast Cancer

"In cases of stage 3 breast cancer, the treatment approach typically begins with chemotherapy for the majority of patients. This decision involves a multidisciplinary approach, requiring input from surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists," said Dr Kataria. Based on the evaluation, the medical team determines whether chemotherapy should precede surgery. Also, the consideration of adding targeted therapy alongside chemotherapy is essential.

Following surgery in some stage 3 breast cancer patients, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may follow as initial treatments. The decision to administer hormone therapy depends on the hormone receptor status of the patient. 

Dr Kataria added, "Treatment protocols for stage 3 breast cancer commonly include chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy, followed by surgery and potentially hormone therapy tailored to the receptor status."

According to the American Cancer Society, stage 3 breast cancer usually necessitates more extensive treatment compared to earlier stages. However, the specific approach depends on several factors, such as 

Hormone receptivity

Cancer grade

Cancer type

The individual's overall health and personal preferences

Menstrual status

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]

Disclaimer

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What Is Stage 3 Breast Cancer? Know Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Of This Deadly Disease

TV actress Hina Khan took to her Instagram handle and shared the heartbreaking news that she is diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Taking to her Instagram handle, she issued a statement in which she wrote, "Hello Everyone, To address the recent rumour. I want to share some important news with all the Hinaholics and everyone who loves and cares for me. 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."

What is Stage 3 Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is classified into stages based on the size of the tumour and the extent of its spread. Stage 3 breast cancer is an advanced form where the cancer has spread beyond the breast to nearby lymph nodes and possibly to the chest wall or skin. However, it has not metastasised to distant organs.

Types of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Stage 3 breast cancer is divided into three subcategories:

Stage 3A: This stage can involve either:

No tumour in the breast, but cancer cells are found in 4 to 9 nearby lymph nodes.

A tumour larger than 5 centimetres with small clusters of cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

A tumour larger than 5 centimetres that has spread to 1 to 3 axillary (underarm) lymph nodes or any breastbone lymph nodes.

Stage 3B: The tumour has spread to the chest wall or breast skin and caused swelling or an ulcer, and may have spread to up to 9 lymph nodes.

Stage 3C: The cancer has spread to 10 or more lymph nodes, nodes above or below the collarbone, or internal mammary nodes.

Causes of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including:

Genetics: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Age: The risk increases as you get older.

Family History: A family history of breast cancer can increase risk.

Hormonal Factors: Prolonged exposure to oestrogen.

Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.

Symptoms of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Symptoms of stage 3 breast cancer can vary, but common signs include:

A lump in the breast or underarm.

Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance.

Dimpling or puckering of the skin.

Nipple discharge that may be bloody or clear.

Pain or tenderness in the breast.

Redness or scaliness of the breast or nipple.

Diagnosis of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Diagnosing stage 3 breast cancer involves several steps:

Physical Examination: Checking for lumps or other changes.

Imaging Tests: Mammograms, ultrasound, and MRI scans to visualise the tumour and surrounding tissue.

Biopsy: Removing a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory testing.

Lymph Node Examination: Checking if cancer has spread to lymph nodes.

Treatment of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Treatment for stage 3 breast cancer typically involves a combination of therapies:

Surgery: Options include lumpectomy (removal of the tumour) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Lymph nodes may also be removed.

Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Hormone Therapy: For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, medications can block hormones that fuel cancer growth.

Targeted Therapy: Drugs target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Stage 3 breast cancer is a serious condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Early detection and advances in medical treatments have improved the prognosis for many patients. Regular screenings and awareness of the symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes.

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Hina Khan Diagnosed With Stage 3 Breast Cancer: 'My Treatment Has Already Begun..'

We wish the actor a speedy recovery as she battles stage 3 breast cancer. (Photo: Instagram/@realhinakhan)

Actor Hina Khan, who has appeared in many television shows, reality TV series and even films, took to her official Instagram account to make a heartbreaking announcement: she has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, which is considered to be an advanced stage of an aggressive form of cancer affecting (mostly) women globally.

The actor released a statement, which read: "To address the recent rumour, I want to share some important news with all the 'Hinaholics' and everyone who loves and cares for me. 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."

Khan also requested for privacy during this time, stating that as she navigates this journey, she would want her loved ones by her side. "With the grace of the Almighty, we believe I will overcome this challenge and be completely healthy," she wrote.

The actor's post was flooded with encouraging comments from her contemporaries and friends. "You have always been very strong. Sending you prayer and lots of healing," wrote actor Rashmi Desai, while Himanshi Khurana -- who met Khan during her stint with 'Bigg Boss 13' -- wrote: "You'll be okay, lots of blessings."

Khan, 36, has acted in popular television serials like 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' and 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay'.

What Is Stage 3 Breast Cancer?

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, stage 3 cancer means the breast cancer may have 'extended' to beyond the 'immediate region' of the tumor. It may have possibly 'invaded' the nearby lymph nodes and muscles, but has not spread to other organs.

This stage is understood to be divided into three groups (Stage 3A, Stage 3B, and Stage 3C), based on the 'size of the tumor' and whether the cancer has 'spread to the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues'.

Treatment For Stage 3 Breast Cancer

There is good news, because stage 3 treatment for breast cancer has many options, and may consist of mastectomy and radiation for 'local treatment', and hormone therapy or even chemotherapy for 'systemic treatment'. In fact, almost every person who has been diagnosed with a stage 3 cancer can do well with a combination of two or more treatments.

We wish Hina Khan a speedy recovery!

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