In 2023, fans were stunned to learn that veteran actress Sharmila Tagore had been privately battling cancer. The revelation was both unexpected and inspiring, given the poise with which she carried herself publicly — showing no sign of the health crisis she had quietly overcome.
Her daughter, Soha Ali Khan has now shed new light on that experience, revealing just how early the diagnosis was and how that significantly impacted her treatment and recovery. 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.”
The illness had subtly come into public conversation during Sharmila’s appearance on Koffee with Karan, when host Karan Johar 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 responded, “After my cancer… they didn’t want me to take that risk.”
What does a stage zero cancer diagnosis actually mean, and how common is it in cases of lung cancer?
Dr Srinath, senior oncologist and founder at Asha Hospitals and Research Centre, says, “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.”
While stage zero is quite common in cancers like cervical or breast cancer due to routine screenings, Dr Srinath says, it is relatively rare in lung cancer. “That’s because lung cancer is typically diagnosed at later stages, when symptoms begin to appear. However, with increasing use of low-dose CT scans for individuals at high risk, such as long-term smokers or those with a family history, there is now a better chance of detecting lung abnormalities early, sometimes even at stage zero.”
In what situations is surgery alone considered a safe and effective treatment, particularly in lung cancer cases?
In early-stage or stage zero lung cancers, surgery can often be curative without the need for chemotherapy or radiation. “The goal is to remove the abnormal tissue before it becomes invasive. If the cancer is localised and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other organs, surgical removal may be the only treatment necessary,” explains Dr Srinath.
Dr Srinath mentions that the type of surgery typically depends on the location and size of the lesion. In cases like this, where the cancer is caught at such an early stage, a minimally invasive procedure or a segmental resection may be sufficient. “This approach reduces the physical burden on the patient and offers excellent long-term outcomes.”
Given that this diagnosis occurred during the COVID pandemic, what are some risks or considerations for cancer patients in such situations?
“Patients undergoing cancer treatment often have weakened immune systems, which can increase the risk of infections and complications,” notes Dr Srinath.
Story continues below this ad
However, he adds that for patients like Sharmila, who received an early diagnosis, the medical team likely made careful decisions to balance timely intervention with safety. “In such situations, healthcare providers take every precaution, such as pre-surgical COVID screening, isolation protocols, and minimising hospital stays, to reduce risk. It’s also worth noting that early-stage treatments, such as surgery without chemotherapy, generally involve fewer compromises to immunity, which can be particularly reassuring during times like a pandemic.”
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.
