Lung Cancer: No Longer Just a Smoker's Disease; Non-Smokers at High Risk

Lifestyle
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News18•19-01-2026, 19:37
Lung Cancer: No Longer Just a Smoker's Disease; Non-Smokers at High Risk
- •India reports over 80,000 new lung cancer cases annually, with 80-85% diagnosed at advanced stages.
- •40-50% of lung cancer cases in India, and up to 83% in South Asian women, occur in non-smokers.
- •Urban pollution, indoor air quality, occupational hazards, and genetic mutations are key drivers for non-smokers.
- •Median age of diagnosis in India is 56, nearly a decade younger than Western countries.
- •Early symptoms like persistent cough or breathlessness are often ignored, delaying crucial diagnosis and treatment.
Why It Matters: Lung cancer is increasingly affecting non-smokers due to environmental factors and genetics, demanding vigilance and early screening.
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