The risk of lung cancer is increasing rapidly all over the world. It is also one of the leading causes of death globally. Medical reports show that lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in Indian men. Lung cancer is considered responsible for about 5.9% of all types of cancer and about 8.1% of cancer-related deaths here. Although this lung cancer can occur in people of any age and gender, its risk has been seen more in men.
World Lung Cancer Day is celebrated every year on August 1 to make people aware of the increasing risks of cancer around the world and educate them about preventive measures. Smoking has been cited as the biggest cause in studies. However, many recent studies are pointing out that most of the lung cancer patients in India have never smoked. Meaning that the risk of this cancer is increasing even in those who do not smoke.
Now the question is that since smoking has been the main cause of this cancer, then why has the risk increased in those who do not smoke?
The risk is increasing even in non-smokers
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia Journal says that it is certainly surprising that most of the lung cancer patients are those who have never smoked. Compared to other parts of Asia and the West, Southeast Asia has the highest number of patients who have no history of smoking. Researchers believe that possibly increasing air pollution may be the reason for this.
A team of doctors from Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Center has titled this paper - 'Uniqueness of lung cancer in Southeast Asia'
Indians are getting cancer at a young age
Another surprising thing has come to light in the report of this study. Researchers said that the average age of diagnosis of lung cancer in Western countries is between 54 and 70, although in India it is being diagnosed at least 10 years earlier even in those aged 44-48.
Experts say that important factors such as air pollution and genetic mutations can be responsible for the increasing cancer in non-smokers. The rate of lung cancer, which was 6.62 per one lakh people in the year 1990, has increased to 7.7 per in 2019.
Air pollution is a big risk
The study shows that men are more prone to this cancer than women. Possibly the habit of tobacco and smoking in men can be responsible for this. The rate of lung cancer in men is 42.4 percent while in women it is 14.2 percent.
The authors of the study, citing the World Air Quality Report of the year 2022, said that South Asia is one of the most polluted parts. Out of the 40 most polluted cities in the world, 37 are from here. Countries like India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Thailand are the most affected in Asia. These countries reported the highest number of lung cancer cases with more than 9.65 lakh new cases in 2020.
What do experts say?
The researchers said inequalities in socio-economic status and access to healthcare are increasing the burden of lung cancer and the risk of death in low and middle-income countries. Barely 5 percent of patients can get timely surgery and proper treatment. Health experts said everyone needs to keep trying to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
The first step is to quit smoking as it poses the highest risk. Exposure to second-hand smoke also increases the risk. Apart from this, efforts should also be made to avoid exposure to radon and chemicals. Use good quality masks to reduce the risks caused by air pollution.
(PC: ISTOCK)
