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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Aruna Irani reveals she battled breast cancer twice, opens up about keeping it private: ‘Everything doubles'
Aruna Irani recently revealed that she battled breast cancer twice and chose to keep the news private. Stating that she was first diagnosed in 2015, the veteran actor said that she decided on medications and avoided chemotherapy before a resurgence in 2020. 'Yes. Not once but twice. Everything doubles,' she remarked. The 78-year-old recalled how she sensed something was amiss while at a shoot. 'Aise hi ek din shooting kar rahi thi, pata nahi mujhe kaise pata laga par maine bola 'Mujhe kuch lag raha hai' (One day, I was shooting as usual. I don't know how, but I just felt something and said, 'I feel like something's wrong'),' she said on the Lehren Retro podcast. While told that the lump was minor, she insisted on its removal and was operated upon. 'But I was at a shoot on the fourth day. Nothing happened. I was also hale and hearty. The doctor told me that I have to undergo chemotherapy clinically. Chemotherapy wasn't that advanced back then. So your skin turned black, and you would experience hair loss. I asked the doctor for another way, and he told me to take medicine daily. That went on for five years,' added Aruna, admitting that it was a mistake she realised after the cancer resurfaced in 2020. She also spoke about getting regular checkups done every six to eight months. 'That's how a lump was detected in 2020. It happened in the same spot on the breast. That time I got operated on. Meri hi wajah se…as pehle maine chemotherapy nahi lee thi. (Because of me…I did not opt for chemotherapy the first time. There was radiation,' continued the Laadla actor who underwent chemotherapy in 2020, just before Covid-19 pandemic. Although she did experience some hair loss, it grew back. 'Still, you lose a bit of your hair, but woh jaldi aa bhi jaate hai (it grows back quickly),' she added in the interview. In addition to cancer, she was also diagnosed with diabetes at 60. At one point, doctors even told her that her kidneys had failed, though she came back stronger. Let's understand all about breast cancer and its recurrence. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally and form a lump or mass. 'While no single known cause exists, certain risk factors can increase its likelihood. These include age, family history, genetics, obesity or being overweight, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and hormonal changes over a lifetime,' said Dr Meghal Sanghavi, oncologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. According to Dr Sanghavi, factors such as never having conceived or never having breastfed may also slightly raise the risk, as they influence the body's long-term exposure to hormones. 'In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown, but a combination of inherited traits and lifestyle factors can play a role,' said Dr Sanghavi. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk for women, added Dr Jyoti Mehta, MD, radiation and clinical oncologist, Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon. 'It is possible that even after successful treatment, breast cancer can sometimes return, and this is called a recurrence,' said Dr Mehta. Does breast cancer come back if it is treated with medications in the first instance? If breast cancer is diagnosed early, it can often be treated effectively with medications such as hormone therapy or targeted drugs, said Dr Sanghavi. Dr Sanghavi said these medicines work by blocking the growth of cancer cells and preventing the spread of the disease. 'In some early-stage cases, medication alone may be sufficient. However, like with any cancer, there is always a possibility of recurrence even after what seems like complete treatment. This is why regular scans and follow-up check-ups are crucial. Rigorous follow-up, typically for up to 10 years, is recommended to monitor for any signs of the cancer returning,' said Dr Sanghavi. When breast cancer does come back, it may recur locally (in the breast area or nearby tissues) or spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain, elucidated 'Modern cancer treatments aim to minimize the risk of such recurrences as much as possible,' said Dr Vani Parmar, HOD, breast oncosurgery and surgical oncologist, KIMS Hospitals, Thane. Is chemotherapy always necessary? Dr Mehta noted that some early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery, hormone therapy, or radiation only and may not need chemotherapy. 'The expert will design the line of treatment per the woman's stage and location of the cancer,' said Dr Mehta. According to Dr Sanghavi, chemotherapy depends on the type, size, stage of cancer, and how quickly it grows. 'If the cancer is fast-growing or widespread beyond the breast, chemotherapy will be recommended. But if it is slow-growing and small, surgery or hormone therapy can be more appealing options,' said Dr Sanghavi. For example, postmenopausal women with very small, low-grade, hormone receptor-positive tumors may be effectively treated with surgery and hormone therapy without needing chemotherapy. Dr Parmar shared that chemotherapy is usually advised for younger women with triple-negative breast cancers or HER2-positive cancers because of their more aggressive nature. 'In cases where cancer has spread to lymph nodes, chemotherapy is often recommended, although the decision also depends on how many nodes are involved and other individual factors,' said Dr Parmar. Every breast cancer diagnosis is individual, and so is treatment. The key is to remain informed, follow treatments to the letter, and keep up with current screening and follow-up visits. With timely treatment and follow-up, many stay healthy and productive despite breast cancer. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Urologist shares common health problems in Indian men over 50 and how to prevent them: ‘Early detection is crucial'
Men's health after 50 is often overlooked, yet millions in India face hormonal shifts, rising prostate cancer risks, and sexual health issues. Dr. Manohar T, Chief of Urology Services, Uro-oncology, and Kidney Transplantation at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, shared with HT Lifestyle the changes that come with age, how to spot warning signs early, and what men can do to lead healthier, stronger lives well into their later years. (Also read: Invisible weight of fatherhood: 5 practical ways for dads to acknowledge, share and cope with their mental load ) India's population stands at approximately 1.46 billion (146 crore), and around 15.2% of that, nearly 22.5 crore are men above the age of 50. This group is particularly vulnerable to a range of health concerns, many of which often go unnoticed or untreated. Nearly 50% of men above 50 report issues such as urinary problems and sexual dysfunction. Many also experience symptoms associated with andropause, which is similar to menopause in women. This is largely due to declining testosterone levels, while testosterone peaks around age 30, it begins to decrease by about 1% per year thereafter, leading to more significant dysfunction by the age of 55 to 60. Prostate problems are also a growing concern. Many men tend to ignore symptoms due to work pressure, frequent travel, and chronic stress, but ignoring early signs can lead to more serious outcomes. Testosterone typically peaks in the early morning. Engaging in morning physical activity triggers a surge of hormones such as cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), adrenaline, and growth hormones. These hormones help men cope with stress and improve mental and physical well-being throughout the day. Prostate cancer rates in India are rising, currently estimated at 11–19 cases per 1 lakh men (compared to 9–11 previously). Age remains the most significant risk factor, especially as India's average life expectancy has increased to 72 years (as per the 2021 census). Other risk factors include family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), and lifestyle habits. Patients typically present with urinary symptoms such as poor stream, delayed emptying, or sudden retention. In advanced cases, symptoms may include bone pain, weight loss, and appetite loss. Diagnosis often involves a clinical exam and a simple blood test (Total PSA). In some cases, an MRI and a prostate biopsy are required for confirmation. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease: Dr. Manohar emphasizes that early detection is crucial, as survival rates drop significantly in more advanced stages (as low as 35% in stage two). These simple lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing or managing health challenges that men commonly face after the age of 50. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
10-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Are You At Risk? Key Breast Cancer Triggers To Know
Last Updated: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affect women across the globe. Early detection and screening improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, affecting women. It develops when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumours. Most breast cancers originate in the milk ducts and may spread to surrounding breast tissue and, eventually, to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads to organs far from its original site, the condition is known as metastasis and is classified as Stage 4 cancer – the most advanced stage, with the lowest survival rate. This makes early detection and screening vital for improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery. With that in mind, let's explore some of the key risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Genetic Factors Certain inherited genetic mutations – most notably in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – can significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. As these mutations are passed down through families, individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer are considered more vulnerable to the disease. Genetic testing and counselling can help assess this risk and guide preventive measures. Lifestyle Factors Certain lifestyle factors, either in isolation or in combination, play a major role in increasing the risk of breast cancer. This is particularly true for women who are in their 40s. Obesity, especially for women in the postmenopausal phase, is one of the major lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer. Habitual smoking, too, may act towards escalating the chances of developing the disease. Alcohol consumption is another lifestyle-related choice that has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer. Research suggests that there is a link between a woman's reproductive history and her risk of developing breast cancer. Women who give birth earlier in life and breastfeed their child tend to have lower chances of developing breast cancer. WHO and IARC have stated that breastfeeding has a protective effect against breast cancer. Hormones Early menarche and late menopause are two known risk factors for breast cancer. Women who experience either one or both have higher-than-usual exposure to estrogen. This prolonged exposure may put them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Sustained hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also increases may serve as a significant risk factor. First Published:
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why does Breast Cancer happen? 5 biggest triggers according to the latest research
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in the world, where cells in the breast grow out of control, forming tumors. These tumors can spread to other parts of the body, potentially becoming life-threatening. Breast cancer most often begins in the milk ducts or lobules, but can also develop in other tissues. While breast cancer is fully treatable if caught early, doctors are trying to identify potential triggers that can prevent its onset in the first place. Here are 5 reasons that breast cancers are becoming more and more common... Genetic Mutations One of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer is inherited genetic mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes normally help protect cells from becoming cancerous. But when they mutate, this protection weakens, increasing the chance of breast cancer. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk, and those with BRCA2 have about a 69% risk of developing breast cancer. These mutations often lead to breast cancer at a younger age than usual. Because these genes run in families, women with close relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer should consider genetic testing and potential steps to minimise their risk of having cancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo Lifestyle Factors Lifestyle choices play a major role in breast cancer risk, especially for women aged 40-49. Being overweight or obese increases the risk because excess fat tissue produces more estrogen, a hormone that can fuel some breast cancers. Smoking is another serious risk factor; chemicals in cigarettes can damage breast cells and increase cancer chances. Interestingly, moderate physical activity can lower risk, but studies show that women who are only moderately active still face increased breast cancer rates compared to those who are more active. This suggests that staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight are important ways to reduce breast cancer risk. Hormonal and Reproductive Factors Hormones have a big influence on breast cancer risk. Women who start menstruating early, go through menopause late, or use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long time have higher exposure to estrogen and progesterone, which can increase cancer risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also affect risk; women who have children earlier and breastfeed tend to have lower risk. Hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase risk, but this usually returns to normal after stopping them. These factors show how a woman's lifetime exposure to hormones can impact breast cancer development. Metabolic Health Recent research highlights the importance of metabolic health in breast cancer risk. Conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance can increase the chance of developing breast cancer, especially after menopause. High insulin levels promote cell growth and reduce cell death, which can encourage cancer development. Obesity and poor metabolism also cause hormonal imbalances that contribute to breast cancer. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medical care is therefore important for lowering risk. Environmental Exposures Exposure to certain environmental factors can also raise breast cancer risk. Ionizing radiation, such as from medical treatments like chest radiotherapy, significantly increases the chance of breast cancer, especially if exposure happens at a young age. Some chemicals, including endocrine disruptors found in plastics and cosmetics, may interfere with hormone systems and promote cancer. Pollution and heavy metals like cadmium have also been linked to higher breast cancer risk. Minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure and using safer products can help reduce risk. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Medscape
04-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Rapid Review Quiz: Ovarian Cancer Screening and Prevention
Reliably screening for ovarian cancer in the general population remains a challenge. Common tools such as CA-125 testing and transvaginal ultrasound have shown limited sensitivity and specificity, leading to unnecessary surgeries and false reassurance. However, advances in genetic testing and molecular pathology have reshaped prevention strategies, particularly in individuals at elevated hereditary risk such as BRCA mutation carriers. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy remains the cornerstone of prevention for high-risk patients, while oral contraceptives offer a risk-reducing effect in the general population. Additionally, genetic counseling has become an essential step in identifying at-risk individuals who may benefit from tailored interventions. How much do you know about recent developments in ovarian cancer screening and prevention? Test your knowledge with this updated review. Despite significant research efforts, no screening strategy has yet demonstrated a mortality benefit in average-risk female patients. As noted in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, landmark clinical trials — including the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian) cancer screening trial — failed to show a survival benefit from annual CA-125 testing or transvaginal ultrasound alone or in combination. The risk of ovarian cancer algorithm (ROCA) — which evaluates CA-125 trends over time — did improve early-stage detection rates but did not ultimately reduce mortality. As a result, current guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force and other expert bodies, including the NCCN, recommend against routine screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic, average-risk females. Instead, attention has shifted toward identifying and managing high-risk individuals through genetic counseling and risk-reducing strategies. Routine screening in the general population is considered ineffective and may result in harms from false-positive tests and unnecessary surgical interventions. Learn more about the workup for ovarian cancer. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) remains the most effective strategy for preventing ovarian and fallopian tube cancer in individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Guidelines recommend RRSO typically between ages 35 and 45, depending on the specific mutation and family history. This surgery significantly lowers the risk of high-grade serous carcinoma, the most common and aggressive subtype. Studies have shown that RRSO can reduce ovarian cancer risk significantly also confer a survival benefit, particularly in BRCA1 carriers. While oral contraceptives also reduce risk, they do not offer the same degree of protection as surgical removal of at-risk tissue. Annual pelvic exams and imaging have not demonstrated efficacy in early detection or mortality reduction in this population. Patients considering RRSO should be counseled about surgical menopause and may require hormone therapy depending on age and symptom burden. The procedure is essential in the preventive care of high-risk individuals. Learn more more about ovarian cancer deterrence and prevention. Emerging evidence over the past decade suggests that the fallopian tube epithelium — not the ovary — is the origin of many high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. As a result, the practice of opportunistic salpingectomy — removing the fallopian tubes during hysterectomy or tubal sterilization procedures — has gained traction as a preventive strategy, even in females at average risk. Major gynecologic societies now endorse this practice as a safe and effective risk-reducing option during pelvic surgery for benign indications. The rationale is grounded in the theory of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma as a precursor lesion to high-grade serous cancer. Unlike endometrial cancer, whose origin lies in the uterine lining, salpingectomy directly targets the tissue where most serous carcinomas are thought to begin. Learn more about ovarian cancer and surgical considerations. Current guidelines recommend genetic counseling and consideration of BRCA and multigene panel testing in females with a personal or strong family history of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Identifying carriers of pathogenic variants enables implementation of life-saving risk-reducing strategies, including salpingo-oophorectomy or enhanced surveillance. Importantly, such testing is also offered to individuals with male relatives who have had breast cancer, early-onset cancers, or known mutations in cancer susceptibility genes. Genetic testing should ideally be preceded by counseling to interpret results accurately and discuss implications for family members. Patients with unrelated gynecologic conditions like endometriosis or abnormal uterine bleeding, and those without relevant family history, are not routinely offered genetic testing unless other risk factors emerge. Early identification of mutation carriers is essential for tailored management, timely preventive interventions, and cascade testing of at-risk relatives. Learn more about risk assessment and genetic counseling in ovarian cancer. Multiple large observational studies and meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated a protective effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) against ovarian cancer. The reduction in risk is observed with long-term use, typically over 5 years, and persists for decades after discontinuation. The proposed mechanism involves suppression of ovulation, thereby reducing the repetitive trauma and repair cycles to the ovarian epithelium, which may underlie carcinogenesis. The protective effect spans multiple histologic subtypes, including high-grade serous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas. While other agents such as NSAIDs have been evaluated, their protective role is less well established and not considered standard for chemoprevention. Aromatase inhibitors and bisphosphonates are not used for ovarian cancer prevention. As with any medication, the decision to use oral contraceptives must consider individual risk profiles, including thromboembolic and cardiovascular risks, and be guided by patient preferences and shared decision-making. Learn more about ovarian cancer and the impact of oral contraceptives.
