What is mucositis that cancer-battling Hina Khan is suffering from?

Renowned Indian actress Hina Khan is currently facing a challenging health battle as she undergoes treatment for Stage 3 breast cancer. As part of her chemotherapy, Khan has developed mucositis, a painful side effect that causes inflammation and soreness in the lining of the mouth and digestive tract. This condition can severely impact eating and speaking, making recovery more difficult.

What is mucositis?

Mucositis is a common and often painful side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It refers to the inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, most commonly affecting the mouth and throat. This can lead to painful sores, difficulty swallowing, and trouble eating or drinking. Mucositis can also affect other areas of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the oesophagus and stomach.

The condition is caused when chemotherapy and radiation therapy, aimed at killing rapidly dividing cancer cells, also damage the fast-growing cells lining the mouth and digestive tract. The severity of mucositis depends on the type of cancer treatment, dosage, and the patient’s overall health. For Hina Khan, who is already grappling with the challenges of Stage 3 breast cancer, mucositis adds another layer of physical discomfort and emotional strain.

Hina’s cancer journey

Khan has been open about her cancer journey, sharing updates with her followers on social media. In a recent Instagram post, she reached out to her audience for advice on managing mucositis, expressing that it has made it difficult for her to eat. She emphasised that although she is following her doctor's advice, she would appreciate any helpful remedies that others may have encountered during similar experiences. The post sparked a wave of supportive messages from her fans, who not only offered prayers but also shared home remedies, such as using mouth rinses and drinking coconut water.
Khan first revealed her diagnosis in June 2024, expressing her commitment to fight the disease. Despite the hardships, Hina Khan remains resilient, completing five rounds of chemotherapy and pushing forward with her treatment. She continues to inspire others with her strength and determination, remaining hopeful about overcoming cancer.