Soha Ali Khan Reveals How Sharmila Tagore's Lung Cancer Was Detected At Stage Zero, Here's What It Means
In a recent interview, Soha Ali Khan revealed that Sharmila Tagore's lung cancer was detected at stage zero. The cancer was surgically removed without chemotherapy.
Back in 2023, it was revealed that Sharmila Tagore had been quietly battling lung cancer. The news left her fans shocked because it was unexpected and also because the actor continued to carry herself with the same grace and poise, showing no sign of her ill health. In a recent interview, her daughter, Soha Ali Khan, revealed that the lung cancer was diagnosed at stage zero and that helped the veteran actor overcome this battle with ease.
In a conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit, Soha Ali Khan opened up about her mother’s battle with lung cancer. She revealed that the cancer was diagnosed early and which significantly helped her treatment and recovery. 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."
related stories
View this post on Instagram
Appearing on Koffee With Karan with Saif Ali Khan, Sharmila had talked briefly about her battle with cancer. Karan mentioned how he had offered Shabana Azmi’s role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani to Sharmila. He said, “I’d offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana ji. She was my very first choice. But because of health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes." Sharmila said, “After my cancer… they didn’t want me to take that risk."
What Is A Stage Zero Cancer Diagnosis?
Talking to Indian Express, Dr Srinath, senior oncologist and founder at Asha Hospitals and Research Centre, said, “Stage zero lung cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, refers to a very early form of the disease where abnormal cells are found only in the top layers of the lung tissue and have not spread deeper or to other areas. It is not invasive at this point, which makes it the most treatable stage of cancer."
How Does A Stage Zero Cancer Diagnosis Help Battle Cancer?
A Stage Zero diagnosis empowers both patients and doctors—it shows that screening and awareness efforts are working. It’s a reminder of how vital regular check-ups and early screenings are in preventing cancer from advancing unnoticed.
With an early diagnosis, doctors can treat the abnormal cells before they become invasive. Since Stage Zero cancers haven’t spread, treatment protocols are typically localized and straightforward—surgical removal, topical therapies, or mild radiation—without the need for complex chemo regimens or multiple interventions, which can exhaust the patient physically and mentally. A Stage Zero diagnosis also allows doctors to track patterns, understand progression risk factors, and tailor follow-up plans, helping them refine future prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.
- Location :
- First Published: