TV actor Hina Khan recently shared that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer stage 3. She took to Instagram to share her health condition. She wrote that despite the challenging times, she is doing well. For the unversed, Stage 3 breast cancer is an advanced stage where the cancer has spread beyond the breast to nearby lymph nodes and tissues. It requires comprehensive treatment and supportive care to manage symptoms, promote recovery, and enhance quality of life.
Here's taking a look at the signs, symptoms, treatment and recovery options. Take a look
Breast Changes: Lumps, thickening, or changes in breast size or shape.
Lymph Node Swelling: Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone.
Skin Changes: Redness, dimpling, or puckering of the breast skin.
Nipple Changes: Inversion, discharge, or unusual pain.
Surgery: Mastectomy or lumpectomy may be recommended to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body, either before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant).
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target cancer cells post-surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Hormone Therapy: If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed to block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs like Herceptin target specific proteins on cancer cells, particularly effective for HER2-positive breast cancers.
Immunotherapy: Stimulates the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, sometimes used in clinical trials for aggressive cancers.
Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health.
Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity as tolerated to improve energy levels and well-being.
Emotional Support: Seek counseling or join support groups to cope with emotional challenges and stress.
Monitor Health: Be vigilant for any signs of recurrence and report changes to healthcare providers promptly.