A first network node (111) and a method therein for controlling load in a first cell (121) of the first network node (111) are provided. The first network node (111) comprises a multi-stage receiver. The first network node (111) computes an interference cancellation gain, at an intermediate stage of the multi-stage receiver. Furthermore, the first network node (111) estimates neighbor cell interference from interfering signals while accounting for a load utilization. The load utilization relates to power transmitted and power granted. The first network node (111) calculates a load measure for stability based on at least the interference cancellation gain and the neighbor cell interference. Next, the first network node (111) controls the load in the first cell (121) based on the load measure for stability.