Lung cancer alert: India on the brink of a tsunami of cases, finds study; Oncologist answers 5 critical questions

Researchers and health experts in India are raising the alarm that lung cancer, long linked to smoking, is increasingly becoming a massive public health crisis, with cases projected to rise sharply in the coming years. Recent studies and analyses suggest a concerning shift in the disease’s profile and trajectory.

A national studypublished in the Indian Journal of Medical Research has projected a significant rise in lung cancer cases across India by 2030, with some regions, especially the North-East, expected to be hardest hit. Women are showing the fastest increases in incidence.




At this crucial time, when the nation is on the brink of a tsunami of cases, creating awareness with basic information and debunking myths is very crucial. Dr. Arun Kumar Goel, Chairman - Surgical Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital Sonipat shared with TOI Health, the symptoms of lung cancer, what diagnosis means and what are some common myths around it.

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Lung cancer is often linked only to smoking, so why are non-smokers at a higher risk?

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel: Although smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, it is still possible for people who do not smoke to develop lung cancer due to other risk factors. Air pollution, indoor cooking smoke, passive smoking, radon gas, occupational exposure (such as asbestos), and family medical history can all contribute to developing lung cancer. In India and throughout the world, the incidence of lung cancer in people who have never smoked is increasing, particularly with regard to adenocarcinoma, a subtype of lung cancer that appears to be caused more by environmental and genetic factors than by tobacco use.

What are the early warning signs of lung cancer that people most often ignore or misinterpret?

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel: Lung cancer symptoms may not be easy to identify at first, and can be mistaken for respiratory issues, even though these changes are not necessarily caused by lung cancer. Common symptoms associated with lung cancer include, persistent cough; cough that is changing; coughing up blood,coughing up blood with mucus,shortness of breath or coughing; unexplained chest pain; unexplained weight loss; and fatigue.

Lung cancer symptoms often overlap with other illnesses such as Tuberculosis in India and are thus usually overlooked until later stages of progression.

From a patient’s perspective, what does a lung cancer diagnosis change overnight, physically and emotionally?

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel: A diagnosis has physical implications, often resulting in the patient having to make treatment decisions such as whether to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapy, as well as coping with symptoms such as breathlessness and tiredness. Emotionally, patients can experience shock, fear, anxiety for their future, worries about family, changes in self-identity, and loss of independence. During this period of transition it is important for patients to have the support of medical staff, counselling services, and family.

What is the biggest myth about lung cancer that you wish people would stop believing?

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel: A common misconception is that only smokers develop lung cancer; however, although tobacco smoke is the primary risk factor, there are many ways for non-smokers to develop lung cancer, including through exposure to environmental pollutants, second-hand tobacco smoke or radon, or other sources of radiation. Failure to recognize this myth may result in delayed diagnosis and screening in patients who do not smoke.

If there’s one message you want the public to remember about lung cancer, what would it be?

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel: Lung cancer is a disease that affects everyone, but can also affect those who have never smoked before. Early detection leads to increased chances of successful treatment. Therefore it is important to seek medical attention for any persistent symptoms associated with this disease like coughing persistently for more than several weeks, and experiencing unexplained difficulty breathing. Early detection could change the course of your treatment and significantly affect your overall prognosis and quality of life.