Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore revealed that she had quietly battled cancer in 2023. The news took many fans by surprise, not only because of the disclosure itself but also due to how minimal her treatment had been. Her daughter, Soha Ali Khan, explained that the cancer was caught at an extremely early stage which is stage zero, a phase so subtle that most people aren't even aware it exists. Soha added that her mother didn't require chemotherapy, as the cancer was successfully removed through surgery.
In an interview with Nayandeep Rakshit, Soha said, “With my mother, she was one of the very few people to be diagnosed with lung cancer at stage zero, and no chemotherapy, nothing. It was cut out of her and she is, touchwood, fine.”
Zero-Stage Lung Cancer, also known as Stage 0 lung cancer or carcinoma in situ, is the earliest possible form of lung cancer. At this stage, abnormal cells are found in the lining of the airways (typically the innermost layer of lung tissue) but have not yet invaded deeper tissues or spread beyond the lungs. Because the cancer is still localised and has not grown into surrounding lung tissue, Stage 0 is highly treatable and often curable when detected early.
Signs of zero-stage lung cancer
Zero-stage lung cancer often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect without targeted screening. However, in some cases, subtle signs might appear:
- Persistent cough not always severe, but it lingers over time and doesn't go away.
- Slight changes in voice or hoarseness especially if the abnormal cells are near the vocal cords.
- Blood in sputum (hemoptysis), small traces may appear occasionally.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath. Mild, but noticeable with exertion.
- Chest discomfort, a dull ache, or tightness, not usually sharp or severe.
- Because symptoms are rare or vague at this stage, routine screenings (like low-dose CT scans) for high-risk individuals (especially smokers or those with a family history) are crucial for early detection.
Can zero-stage lung cancer be prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, risk can be significantly reduced by focusing on lifestyle and environmental factors:
- Avoid smoking, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Even exposure to secondhand smoke increases risk.
- Limit exposure to harmful substances like radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution.
- Maintaining a healthy diet abundant in antioxidant-rich foods (like leafy greens and berries) can help protect lung cells from damage.
- Exercise regularly as it helps improve lung function and immune response.
- Routine screenings especially for people with a history of smoking or occupational hazards.
Treatment tips for zero-stage lung cancer
Stage 0 lung cancer treatment focuses on completely removing or destroying the abnormal cells before they spread. Since it's non-invasive, treatment is often effective and less intense than in later stages.
- Wedge resection or segmentectomy may be used to remove the localised lesion without removing the entire lung lobe.
- Sometimes only the affected section of a bronchial tube lining is removed.
- Techniques like photodynamic therapy (PDT) use light-sensitive drugs and lasers to destroy cancer cells through a bronchoscope.
- In select cases where the lesion is extremely slow-growing, doctors may opt for regular monitoring instead of immediate treatment.
- Since the cancer hasn't spread, chemotherapy or radiation is rarely used at this stage unless recurrence or spread is detected later.
- Regular scans and checkups are critical to ensure no progression or recurrence.
In summary, Zero-Stage Lung Cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and outcomes are often excellent. Awareness of risk factors, commitment to prevention, and early screening are key steps in both reducing your risk and catching it before it advances.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
