Lung cancer on the rise among women, doctors stress on early diagnosis

Stating that there is an increase in the number of lung cancer cases among women and the reason for the same is yet to be known, Dr K Kumar, an Oncologist said, “Some of the factors for this may be too much exposure to cooking gas and increased smoking among women. Lung cancer is fast turning into an epidemic in India. It is a high-mortality cancer mainly because of late diagnosis. As a result, it accounts to more deaths in the country,” he added. 

He said that smoking — both active and passive — is found to be the greatest risk factors for developing lung cancer.

“With addictions on the rise and a change in the pattern among smokers, the cancer has seen a variety of changes as well. Many, today, use the filter in the hope that it prevents the problem of infection. However, it is a myth,” Dr Kumar added.

Stating that it is never too late for anyone to quit smoking, he said, “Many tend to think that there is no point of quitting as they have been smoking for years together. However, it is never too late to quit.”

He further added that two out of every three patients with lung cancer are over 65 years of age, so one gets enough time in life to take steps to avoid suffering from lung cancer.

While pollution is also a contributing factor, Dr Sundar, an Oncologist said, “High pollution level is also a contributing factor to the increase in the number of lung cancer patients.”

While many people assume that they might not be affected by the cancer because they do not smoke, there are chances of them to fall prey due to passive smoking.

“The only preventive measure is to stop smoking and protect one’s self and people around. Other measures are to protect ourselves from outdoor pollution. Besides, staying healthy, exercising and eating a balanced nutritious diet to strengthen the immune system can help in avoiding any kind of cancer,” he added.