Public awareness campaigns about lung cancer symptoms and risk factors are essential for early detection and prevention
The landscape of lung cancer in India is undergoing a dramatic shift. Traditionally linked to smoking, the disease is increasingly affecting individuals with no history of tobacco use.
A recent narrative review, published in The Lancet, unveiled a startling finding: a substantial portion of lung cancer patients, particularly women, are non-smokers. The trend is alarming as it owes to the complex interplay of factors contributing to lung cancer development in the country, particularly a need to re-evaluate risk factors and prevention strategies beyond tobacco control.
Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, emphasises the role of environmental factors, particularly air pollution. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant contributor to lung cancer in non-smokers. The prevalence of tuberculosis, another public health challenge in India, can also exacerbate lung damage and increase the risk.
Passive smoking, occupational exposures, and genetic predisposition further contribute to the disease burden, explained Dr Neeraj Goel, Director of Oncology Services at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. He underscores the importance of early detection through regular health check-ups and awareness about lung cancer symptoms.
The implications of these findings are profound. India’s battle against lung cancer requires a comprehensive approach. Reducing air pollution through stricter regulations, promoting clean energy sources, and improving public transportation are crucial steps. Strengthening tuberculosis control programs and investing in research to understand the genetic factors involved are equally important.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns about lung cancer symptoms and risk factors are essential for early detection and prevention. Encouraging healthy lifestyles, including smoking cessation and avoiding exposure to air pollution, can significantly reduce the risk.
Here are some warning signs of lung cancer you should watch out for, Dr Mittal advised.
What are the warning symptoms and signs of lung cancer?
The warning symptoms and signs of lung cancer include:
* Persistent Cough: A long-standing cough that does not go away.
* Blood in Sputum: Presence of blood in the spit.
* Breathing Difficulty: Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
* Hoarseness of Voice: Changes in the voice, such as becoming hoarse.
* Chest Pain: Pain in the chest that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
* Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Unexplained loss of appetite and significant weight loss.