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New Delhi: Doctors on Monday expressed concern over a significant rise in lung cancer cases among non-smokers in India, marking a notable shift from the disease’s long-standing association with smoking. Health experts have identified increased exposure to air pollution as a major contributing factor to this alarming trend.
A recent study published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine Journal revealed that a majority of lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers. The research also found that lung cancer cases in India are manifesting nearly a decade earlier than in Western countries.
“India’s lung cancer demographic presents a unique and concerning picture, with a rising incidence among younger individuals and an increasing number of cases occurring in non-smokers. Traditionally, lung cancer has been strongly associated with smoking, but we are witnessing a shift, especially in urban populations,” said Dr. Prasad Adusumilli, Thoracic Surgeon and Cellular Therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), US, speaking to IANS.
Dr. Adusumilli further noted that non-smokers, particularly women, are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer about 10 years earlier than their Western counterparts, often without any history of smoking.
“This may be linked to various risk factors, including exposure to environmental pollutants, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors,” he explained.
Pollution and Other Risk Factors
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with increasing cases among non-smokers, particularly women and Asian populations. India reports approximately 75,000 new cases of lung cancer annually, and a significant number are diagnosed at advanced stages, which reduces the chances of successful treatment.
Dr. Jagadishwar Goud Gajagowni, an oncologist at a Hyderabad-based hospital, highlighted that non-smoker lung cancer (LCINS) often presents as adenocarcinoma, affecting peripheral lung tissues.
“Key risk factors include air pollution, radon exposure, indoor cooking fumes, and second-hand smoke,” Dr. Gajagowni said. “Environmental pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas and radon in homes significantly contribute to the risk. Poor indoor air quality caused by cooking with solid fuels in poorly ventilated spaces also poses a major danger, particularly in developing regions. Passive smoking further exacerbates risks, especially in households or areas with high smoking rates among men,” he added.
Advances in Treatment
While the rising incidence of lung cancer is concerning, doctors note significant advancements in treatment options. Modern therapies, including minimally invasive surgical procedures and advanced radiation therapies, are improving patient outcomes with reduced recovery times and fewer side effects.
“The development of targeted therapies has revolutionized the treatment landscape, offering more personalized and effective options for patients based on the molecular profile of their tumors,” Dr. Adusumilli explained.
The Way Forward
The rising cases of lung cancer among non-smokers highlight the urgent need for improved air quality and awareness about indoor pollution. Doctors emphasize the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and stricter environmental regulations to combat the growing burden of lung cancer in India.
With a growing number of non-smoking individuals at risk, particularly in urban centers, experts urge both policymakers and the public to prioritize cleaner air and better healthcare infrastructure to address this worrying trend.
