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On Friday, oncologists highlighted the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in driving breast cancer cases, even among women who seem healthy. This revelation comes as television actress Hina Khan announced her diagnosis with stage three breast cancer.
Known for her fitness enthusiasm, the ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ actress shared her diagnosis on Instagram, saying, “I have been diagnosed with Stage Three Breast Cancer.” Despite the diagnosis, Khan assured her followers that she is “doing well” and that her “treatment has already begun.” She expressed determination to overcome the disease, stating, “I am ready to do everything necessary to emerge from this even stronger.”
Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, lead consultant and Head of the Breast Centre at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, explained that stage 3 breast cancer indicates significant involvement, either with the skin, the chest wall, large tumors over 5 cm, or the presence of lymph nodes, sometimes reaching the neck. He recommended a whole body scan or a PET scan for women diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer to ensure the disease hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide. Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates that breast cancer accounts for 28.2% of all female cancers in India, with an estimated 216,108 cases expected by 2022. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 670,000 died from the disease in 2022.
“Breast cancer can develop even in people who appear healthy because of the intricate interaction between hereditary and environmental variables. These variables may occasionally result in epigenetic modifications or mutations in genes that raise the risk of cancer,” Dr. Khandelwal said. He elaborated that internal systems in healthy individuals usually guard against abnormal cell growth and repair DNA damage. However, these systems can sometimes fail, allowing damaged cells to multiply and potentially become cancerous.
Dr. Khandelwal further noted that certain risk factors, such as radiation, hormone exposure, and specific genetic abnormalities, can affect even those who lead healthy lifestyles. For instance, someone with a BRCA1/2 genetic mutation or a family history of breast cancer may still develop the disease despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Pritam Kataria, Consultant, Medical Oncology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, emphasized that the risk of breast cancer spans across various age groups, affecting the young, middle-aged, and elderly. He highlighted that non-modifiable risk factors include higher age and hereditary status, such as family history with BRCA1/2 mutations. Early menarche and late menopause also pose higher risks. Modifiable risk factors, he added, include obesity, having no children or delayed childbirth, smoking, alcohol consumption, and increasing air pollution.
Experts stress the importance of early diagnosis through mammograms, recommended annually starting at age 40, or earlier for high-risk individuals. For those with high-risk factors, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, breast MRI is advisable. Ultrasound is used to investigate abnormalities detected in mammograms or women with dense breast tissue. Regular self-examinations and clinical breast exams by doctors are crucial for early detection of any changes.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, abstaining from alcohol, and quitting smoking, can help mitigate the risk of developing breast cancer.
