Diet, exercise, daily habits can influence cancer recurrence

Recently, on World Health Day, filmmaker and writer Tahira Kashyap revealed that her breast cancer had returned—seven years after her first diagnosis in 2018.

- RISHITA KHANNA @ Bengaluru

Recently, on World Health Day, filmmaker and writer Tahira Kashyap revealed that her breast cancer had returned—seven years after her first diagnosis in 2018. In a social media post, she said, "Seven-year itch or the power of regular screening—it's a perspective," urging people to go for regular mammograms. "Round 2 for me...I have got this," the post added.

Cancer recurrence happens when cancer returns after a period of remission. It can occur in the same place as the original tumor (local recurrence), nearby (regional recurrence), or in a different part of the body (distant recurrence or metastasis). Recurrence, however, does not mean the treatment failed—it means some cancer cells remained in the body after treatment and later started growing again. Regular follow-ups and screenings play a crucial role in catching recurrences early, which can improve treatment options and outcomes.