Actor Hina Khan visits Ladakh peak two years after cancer diagnosis

Mountain Visit

Two years after fighting stage 3 breast cancer, actor Hina Khan visited the Khardung La Pass in Ladakh at an elevation of 17,582 feet above sea level, located 40 km north of Leh. She shared an Instagram reel celebrating the milestone while taking in the mountain scenery.

Medical Advice

Dr Vaishnavi Joshi, a medical oncology consultant at Aster Cmi Hospital in Bangalore, states that visiting such high altitudes requires careful planning for cancer patients. Reduced oxygen levels force the heart and lungs to work harder, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, rapid breathing, and lower exercise capacity. Individuals with anaemia, heart conditions, lung issues, low fitness, or treatment-related weakness experience these impacts more severely. Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies can alter blood counts, immunity, and lung function, meaning high-altitude trips do not suit every patient.

Travel Guidelines

Doctors recommend consulting an oncologist before travel to confirm fitness levels, especially during active treatments. Patients must carry all prescribed drugs, medical records, and emergency contacts. Travelers should acclimatize slowly, rest upon arrival, avoid strenuous workouts at first, stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and protect themselves against cold and sun exposure. Travel should happen during periods of medical stability rather than active treatment weakness. Warning signs like persistent headaches, breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting, and confusion must not be ignored, and excessive alcohol intake must be avoided.