Tahira Kashyap is a cancer survivor, apart from being an author, filmmaker and a mother of two. She has recently announced her Bollywood directorial debut with “Sharma Ji Ki Beti”. She is also the wife of Ayushmann Khurrana, a National Film Award winning actor. Tahira, 39 today, and has successfully recovered from cancer and actively working towards her goals in her career.
Kashyap was 35 years old when she first found out she had cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, simply put it was a pre-cancerous stage. Stage 0 cancers are limited to the inside of the milk duct and are non-invasive (does not invade nearby tissues). It is also called as Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Kashyap said “I was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in my right breast with high grade malignant cells”. She underwent mastectomy, a breast surgery to get the right breast removed. She has fought ‘head-on’ with cancer and humorously calls herself the “half-Indian version of Angelina Jolie (since only one breast was involved)!”
She recalls and states, she has found comfort and strength in these tiring times from spiritualism. She says this cancer experience has given her new definition of live and courage to be a hero of her own life.
She went on to her social media Instagram profile to share about this experience and takes every opportunity on media or in her interviews to spread awareness on the importance of screening for breast cancer. She stated that had undergone mammogram twice, and suggested that if any woman sees any symptom – they should consider it as a protective sign and get examined. “Do not become an ostrich if you feel something is wrong. The wrong only gets detected timely if you take action towards it,” Tahira wrote on breast cancer awareness.
Breast cancer screening and its importance:
Breast cancer screening helps early cancer detection that helps provide effective treatment options. The earlier the cancer detection, the better the individual’s chances of survival. Routine breast cancer screening by mammography will allow better prognosis and avoid complications or death.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends yearly mammogram screening for women from age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancers or other cancers, it is advised to get screened. Also, in most cases (up to 85%) breast cancer has reportedly occurred even without a family history. Therefore, it is advised for women to not miss their yearly mammogram screenings. Apart from mammogram screening, breast MRI (Breast scan) is another recommended screening test.
Other breast exams include:
- Clinical breast exam (CBE): A healthcare provider will examine your breasts for any lumps by touching them.
- Self-exam: This is breast self-awareness practise that encourages you to be familiar with your breasts, how to look and feel normal. Self-exam is when you touch and feel for any lumps or unusual changes with your breast size, colour or liquid discharge. If you notice anything different from usual, inform your healthcare provider.
For more information about breast cancer, or appointments – reach us out at: https://www.drpragnya.com/book-an-appointment/
References:
- Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife Tahira opens up about being diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, undergoing mastectomy. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ayushmann-khuranas-wife-tahira-opens-up-about-being-diagnosed-with-stage-0-breast-cancer-undergoing-mastectomy/articleshow/65913222.cms
- When Ayushmann Khurana learnt of Tahira Kashyap’s cancer diagnosis: ‘I was hiding, fans were asking for pictures’. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/when-ayushmann-khurana-learnt-of-tahira-kashyap-s-cancer-diagnosis-i-was-hiding-fans-were-asking-for-pictures-101643809024610.html
- ‘Protect yourself, value yourself’: Tahira Kashyap pens heartfelt note on breast cancer awareness. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/tahira-kashyap-breast-cancer-awareness-7586400/
- Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap recall the first time they heard of her cancer. India TV. https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/ayushmann-khurrana-and-tahira-kashyap-recall-the-first-time-they-heard-of-her-cancer-2022-02-04-757933
- On World Cancer Day, cancer survivor Tahira Kashyap shatters myths about the disease. Zoom. https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/celebrity/on-world-cancer-day-cancer-survivor-tahira-kashyap-shatters-myths-about-the-disease-article-89340352