New Delhi/Noida, July 31: On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day, oncologists and pulmonologists from Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals have raised concern over the rising burden of lung cancer, particularly among non–smokers, women, and younger adults. While tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of the disease, doctors say increasing air pollution, passive smoking, occupational exposure to harmful substances, indoor biomass smoke, and genetic factors are contributing to a growing number of cases. They stressed that persistent respiratory symptoms should never be ignored, as early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve survival and quality of life.
Dr. Kanuj Malik, Sr. Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension said,
“Lung cancer continues to be one of the most challenging cancers we encounter, with smoking remaining its leading cause. However, we are increasingly diagnosing cases among non–smokers due to factors such as air pollution, passive smoking, occupational exposure to harmful substances, and genetic predisposition. On average, we diagnose around 10–15 new lung cancer cases every month in our OPD, reflecting the growing burden of the disease. While lung cancer is still most commonly diagnosed in individuals above the age of 50, we are witnessing a gradual rise in younger adults and women, particularly non–smokers, highlighting the impact of environmental and lifestyle-related risk factors.
Early diagnosis remains the key to improving survival. Persistent symptoms such as a cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, breathlessness, or coughing up blood should never be ignored. Timely screening, prompt medical evaluation, and early treatment can significantly improve outcomes and give patients the best chance of a successful recovery.”
Dr. (Brig) Sarvinder Singh, HOD – Pulmonology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Omega-1, Greater Noida said,
“At our tertiary care centre, we evaluate a significant number of patients every month who present with suspicious lung lesions or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. Many of these patients require advanced diagnostic investigations, including CT scans, bronchoscopy, PET-CT, and biopsies before a definitive diagnosis can be established. While not every suspected case turns out to be lung cancer, the growing volume of respiratory malignancy cases highlights the increasing burden of the disease and reinforces the urgent need for greater awareness, especially among high-risk individuals. Although tobacco smoking continues to be the leading cause, we are also witnessing more cases among non–smokers due to factors such as air pollution, passive smoking, occupational exposure, and genetic predisposition.
One case that continues to inspire us involved a man in his early sixties who visited us with a persistent cough that he initially believed was a routine infection. Timely investigations revealed early-stage lung cancer, and because the disease was detected before it had spread, he underwent curative surgery followed by appropriate therapy. Today, he has resumed his normal life with no evidence of disease progression. This serves as a powerful reminder that recognising symptoms early and seeking timely medical attention can save lives and significantly improve treatment outcomes.”
Dr. Dewesh Kishan, Consultant- Medical Oncology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida 110, said,
“Tobacco remains the leading cause of lung cancer, but the ground is shifting. Today, we are witnessing a rising number of non–smokers, younger adults in their 30s and 40s, and women entering our healthcare systems. Environmental pollution, indoor biomass smoke, and genetic mutations are becoming major contributors. In a busy tertiary care oncology OPD, we now evaluate 20 to 40 new suspected or confirmed lung cancer patients every month. Many of these individuals present with no prior history of smoking.
Fortunately, advancements in molecular testing, CT scans, and targeted therapies mean that a diagnosis is no longer an automatic death sentence. However, the ultimate key to survival remains early detection. We must look beyond tobacco alone and take persistent respiratory symptoms seriously. A cough that lasts more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain requires immediate medical evaluation, regardless of your age or smoking history. Do not make assumptions about your health. Early diagnosis saves lives, and timely screening can completely change your clinical outcome.”
Dr. Rajeev Kumar MBBS, M.S., M.CH (Surgical Oncology) Vice Chairman – Surgical Oncology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, Delhi said,
“Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, but it is no longer the only risk factor. Increasing air pollution, passive smoking, and vehicular emissions are emerging contributors, and the long-term impact of newer fuels such as CNG is still being evaluated. Lung cancer is still most commonly diagnosed in older individuals with a long history of smoking. However, the increasing trend of tobacco use among young adults, including college students and women, is worrying because it significantly raises their lifetime risk of developing the disease. At the same time, lung cancer can also occur in non–smokers, particularly women, who are more likely to develop adenocarcinoma. While men continue to account new lung cancer cases globally, the gap is narrowing as smoking rates rise among women.
In our OPD , we diagnose and manage around 10–15 new lung cancer patients every month, highlighting the growing burden of the disease. The encouraging news is that advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have transformed outcomes. Even patients with advanced lung cancer can now achieve prolonged survival with a good quality of life. Timely evaluation of warning signs, such as persistent cough or blood in sputum, along with early diagnosis and personalized treatment, can make a life-saving difference.”