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Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide
Environmental and occupational carcinogens contribute to increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Lung cancer has long been associated with cigarette smoking, but doctors are now warning of a concerning trend, an increasing number of cases among non-smokers, particularly women and younger people. While smoking still accounts for nearly 70% of lung cancer cases, environmental and genetic factors are emerging as silent triggers for the disease.
“Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, especially among elderly males, and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our country. While smoking remains the biggest culprit, up to 20% of lung cancer cases especially in women occur in people who have never smoked,” says Dr. Sunny Jain, Sr Consultant & HOD-Medical Oncology, Accord Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad.
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Pollution, Genes and Hidden Risks
According to Dr. Jain, prolonged exposure to air pollution, passive smoking, radon gas, and family history are among the major risk factors for non-smokers. The air we breathe, especially in urban India, is saturated with carcinogenic pollutants that mirror the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. “Whether you are smoking cigarettes or inhaling polluted air daily, you are exposing your lungs to the same cancer-causing agents,” he explains. These toxins can penetrate deep into the lungs, damaging tissue, triggering inflammation, and increasing the likelihood of cancer.
Adding to these risks is radon gas exposure, which can accumulate in certain soil-based homes, as well as genetic predisposition that amplifies vulnerability. Dr. Jain urges regular screenings for those with family history or occupational exposure to carcinogens, while also stressing lifestyle precautions such as avoiding secondhand smoke and wearing protective gear in high-risk workplaces.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
The warning signs of lung cancer often overlap with common respiratory issues, leading to delays in diagnosis. Persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss should not be ignored. Early diagnosis using CT scans, biopsies, and PET scans is critical, as timely detection dramatically improves survival chances.
“Focusing on early lung cancer is crucial because early detection greatly increases the chances of effective cure,” says Dr. Kamran Ali, Principal Consultant–Lung Transplant & Thoracic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
He explains that lung cancers are classified by stage, early-stage, localized, locally advanced, or metastatic based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs. Early-stage cancers (less than 3 cm, no lymph node involvement, no metastasis) often go unnoticed due to their asymptomatic nature. Many are only detected during health check-ups for unrelated issues.
The Promise of Modern Treatments
For patients diagnosed early, surgery remains the gold standard of treatment. “Tumors smaller than 1 cm carry a survival rate of over 90% with surgery, which makes early detection the single biggest factor in improving outcomes,” Dr. Ali notes.
Surgical advances have also transformed patient recovery. Techniques like Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Robotic Thoracic Surgery allow for minimally invasive tumor removal. Robotic surgery, in particular, offers tiny incisions, minimal pain, little to no rib spreading, reduced hospital stays, and quicker return to normal life. Depending on the tumor, procedures may involve lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe), pneumonectomy (entire lung removal), or segmentectomy (removal of a smaller portion).
For more advanced cases, Dr. Jain highlights the expanding role of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. “Targeted therapies have revolutionized treatment, particularly for non-smokers who often have genetic mutations driving the cancer. Instead of chemotherapy, many of these patients can be treated with oral pills,” he explains. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, activates the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells, extending both survival and quality of life.
Taking Preventive Steps
Both doctors emphasize that prevention remains the best defense. Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, avoiding outdoor activity when air pollution is severe, adhering to occupational safety measures, and testing homes for radon are all practical steps. For those with family history, proactive health check-ups and low-dose CT scans could be life-saving.
“Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Yet, with vigilance, early detection, and advanced treatment options, the disease can be managed effectively and in many early cases, even cured,” concludes Dr. Ali.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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