Actress Hina Khan Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Sparks Conversation about Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Actress Hina Khan’s brave battle against breast cancer has brought to light the prevalence of the disease and the various risk factors associated with it. According to a recent report by the ‘Cancer’ journal, breast cancer continues to be the most common form of cancer among women in India, with an estimated 216,108 cases by 2022.

Hina Khan, known for her role in ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,’ recently shared her diagnosis of stage three breast cancer with her fans on Instagram. Despite the challenging prognosis, Khan remains optimistic as she has already commenced treatment and is reportedly responding well.

The incidence rate of female breast cancer in India has seen a significant surge of 39.1% from 1990 to 2016, indicating a concerning trend nationwide over the past 26 years. Breast cancer typically originates in the breast cells, often starting in the milk ducts or lobules and potentially spreading to other areas of the body if not treated promptly.

While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified, including lifestyle choices, hormonal influences, and genetic predisposition. Dr. Arun Kumar Goel, Chairman & Head of Surgical Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital Sonipat, highlighted the impact of hormonal exposure, family history, age, breast tissue density, and radiation exposure on the risk of developing breast cancer.

Dr. Mandar Nadkarni from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai emphasized the role of lifestyle factors such as delayed childbirth, obesity, sedentary behavior, and alcohol consumption in contributing to the development of breast cancer. He also noted the importance of genetics, with less than 10% of cases attributed to genetic factors such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Early detection plays a crucial role in the successful treatment of breast cancer, underscoring the significance of regular self-examinations and mammograms. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can help mitigate the risk of breast cancer. Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, Lead Consultant at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, emphasized the impact of genetic mutations, hormonal factors, and lifestyle choices on the development of breast cancer.