Sonali Bendre diagnosed with cancer that has metastised. What does it mean?

Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre in a Twitter post on Wednesday revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer.

Sonali, popular for her roles in films like Hum Saath Saath Hain, Sarfarosh, Kal Ho Na Ho, wrote “Sometimes when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with high-grade cancer that has metastasized, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them.”

Sonali was recently replaced by Huma Qureshi as the judge of the popular TV show India’s Best Draamebaaz, due to her ill health.

The actor is married to film director Goldie Behl with whom she has a son, Ranveer.

Support for Sonali poured in from the entertainment industry with the likes of Karan Johar and Arjun Kapoor wishing her good health.

WHAT DOES METASTASIS MEAN?

Cancer Treatment Centers of America defines metastasis as, “the spread of cancer cells to new areas of the body (often by way of the lymph system or bloodstream). A metastatic cancer, or metastatic tumour, is one which has spread from the primary site of origin (where it started) into different area(s) of the body.”

“Tumours formed from cells that have spread are called secondary tumors. The cancer may have spread to areas near the primary site (regional metastasis), or to parts of the body that are farther away (distant metastasis),” reads the definition of metastasis on the website.

Wishing the actor a speedy recovery.