Lung cancer will become rampant in India by 2030, with even non-smokers at high risk, study reveals.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Do you think that staying away from cigarettes or tobacco will keep you safe from lung cancer? If so, this news may raise your concerns. A new and shocking study has sounded the alarm for India. In fact, it states that lung cancer cases in the country are expected to increase significantly by the year 2030.

According to a recent report published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, this deadly disease is changing its course. Most alarmingly, it's no longer just men or smokers, but women and non-smokers are also becoming increasingly vulnerable.

The biggest threat to Northeast India

According to the report, India's northeastern region is the most affected by the disease, with Aizawl having the highest cancer burden.

• Cancer rates among women in the Northeast have almost reached the same level as men, an unusual pattern for India.
• Tobacco use is also very high here – 68% in men and 54% in women, which remains the main cause of this disease.

Non-smokers are also getting cancer

The study revealed that cases of lung cancer are increasing among women who never smoke. The main reasons behind this are:

• indoor air pollution
• Use of biomass fuel (wood, cow dung cakes, etc.) for cooking
• Second-hand smoke (smoke from others smoking)
• Exposure to pollution at work places

The nature of cancer is changing

A shift in the type of tumor has also been observed across the country. Squamous-cell carcinoma (often associated with smoking) has been replaced by adenocarcinoma.

• Bengaluru: Adenocarcinoma now accounts for more than half of lung cancer cases in women here .
• Delhi: A sharp increase in cases of 'large-cell carcinoma' has been seen in the country's capital.

Situation in North and South India

Surprisingly, some districts in South India (such as Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kollam) have higher cancer rates among men despite lower tobacco and alcohol consumption. This suggests that risk factors other than tobacco are also at play.

Among women in the South, Hyderabad and Bengaluru have reported the highest number of cases.

In North India, cancer rates were found to be higher among men in Srinagar, while cases also increased among women in Srinagar and Pulwama despite lower drug use.

The risk is increasing rapidly in women

Data shows that in some areas, cancer cases among women are increasing at a rate of 6.7% annually, compared to 4.3% among men. Thiruvananthapuram has seen the fastest increase in cases among women, while Dindigul has seen the highest jump in cases among men. Since tobacco use among women nationwide is less than 10%, researchers attribute this to poor air quality and household pollution.

The scary picture of 2030

It is estimated that by 2030:

• In some parts of Kerala, the incidence of lung cancer in men can be as high as 33 per lakh population.
• In cities like Bengaluru, this rate can rise to 8 per lakh for women.

The study also found that deaths are not being reported accurately in many areas, making it difficult to assess the true devastation caused by the disease.

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