Sharp Increase Projected
A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) has sounded the alarm on lung cancer trends in India. By 2030, the country is expected to witness a sharp rise in cases, with the North‑East region projected to be the worst affected. The study also highlights that women will experience the fastest increase, narrowing the gap with men in terms of incidence.
Global Context
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer remains a major global public health concern. In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases worldwide and 9.7 million deaths. WHO data shows that about 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, with approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women dying from the disease.
Causes and Mechanisms
Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs divide uncontrollably, forming tumours that impair organ function. While tobacco use remains the leading cause, other factors such as indoor air pollution, biomass fuel use, second‑hand smoke, and occupational exposure are increasingly being linked to rising cases, particularly among non‑smoking women.
Regional Findings
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study analyzed data from 57 populations across six regions. Results showed that Aizawl in Mizoram recorded the highest incidence, with age‑standardised rates of 35.9 per lakh among men and 33.7 per lakh among women, alongside the highest mortality. The North‑East’s exceptionally high tobacco consumption—68% among men and 54% among women—continues to drive the region’s burden.
Shifting Disease Profile
Experts caution that the disease profile is evolving. Dr. Saurabh Mittal, pulmonology specialist at AIIMS, noted:
“We are seeing more lung cancer cases among non‑smoking women, linked to indoor air pollution, biomass fuel use, second‑hand smoke and occupational exposure.”
Outlook
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including tobacco control, improved indoor air quality, and awareness campaigns. With lung cancer poised to rise sharply, India faces a critical challenge in balancing prevention, early detection, and treatment to reduce mortality in the coming decade.