A startling study conducted by Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre has unveiled that the majority of lung cancer cases in India are linked to non-smokers. This research, titled “Uniqueness of Lung Cancer in Southeast Asia” and published in the renowned medical journal The Lancet, attributes genetic susceptibility, hormonal status, and deteriorating air quality as the primary causes of lung cancer among Indians.
Unique Lung Cancer Trends in Southeast Asia
The study emphasizes the distinct characteristics of lung cancer in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, compared to other global regions. “Lung cancer in Southeast Asia is similar but also very different in myriad aspects from that in the West, as well as other parts of Asia,” the researchers noted. A significant finding is that lung cancer manifests in Indians nearly a decade earlier than in Western countries, with a mean age at diagnosis ranging from 54 to 70 years.
Alarming Statistics: Lung Cancer and Pollution in India
In 2020, India reported 72,510 lung cancer cases and 66,279 deaths due to the disease. Lung cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Southeast Asia, with 1.85 million new cases recorded. The study highlights the dire impact of air pollution, citing the 2022 World Air Quality Report, which lists 37 out of the world’s 40 most polluted cities in South Asia. Major Indian cities, including New Delhi, face persistent pollution, significantly raising the cancer risk among non-smokers.
Key Contributing Factors
The research identifies several contributing factors to lung cancer among non-smokers, including exposure to PM2.5, asbestos, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, coal, and passive smoking. The study also revealed that only 31.7 percent of patients with Stages I to IIIB lung cancer in India underwent curative intent therapy, while a mere 13.4 percent received curative resection.
Urgent Call for Improved Care
The researchers concluded that despite the progress made, “there is a lot more that can and should be done to ensure that all patients with lung cancer receive the same level of high-quality care, regardless of their geographical location or ethnicity.”
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures to combat lung cancer in India, especially among non-smokers. Improving air quality, increasing awareness, and ensuring access to high-quality care are critical steps to addressing this public health challenge.
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