Rising Lung Cancer Cases in India: A Growing Concern
Lung Cancer: A Major Health Threat
Millions across India are grappling with various cancer types, with lung cancer emerging as a significant threat. If not diagnosed and treated early, lung cancer often leads to fatal outcomes. The increasing pollution levels have heightened the risk of developing this deadly disease. A recent study has unveiled alarming predictions, indicating that the northeastern states, including Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya, will experience a surge in lung cancer cases among women over the next few years. This research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, forecasts a rapid rise in lung cancer cases in India by 2030.
Northeast India Faces Alarming Trends
According to a report from a leading news outlet, data from 57 populations across six regions reveal that the Northeast has the highest lung cancer incidence, with rates among women nearing those of men. This is surprising given the relatively low pollution levels in these clean, hilly areas. Aizawl has reported the highest incidence, with an age-standardized rate of 35.9 per lakh for men and 33.7 per lakh for women, along with the highest mortality rates.
Tobacco Use: The Primary Culprit
Key Factors Behind Rising Cases
The study identifies high tobacco consumption as the leading cause of increased lung cancer risk in the Northeast, with around 68% of men and 54% of women using tobacco. Dr. Saurabh Mittal from AIIMS noted that the disease's nature is evolving, with more lung cancer cases reported among non-smoking women, attributed to indoor air pollution, biomass fuel usage, and secondhand smoke.
Changing Patterns in Lung Cancer
This shift is also evident in tumor types across the nation. Squamous-cell carcinoma, traditionally linked to smoking, is being overtaken by adenocarcinoma. In Bengaluru, this subtype now accounts for over half of lung cancer cases in women, while Delhi has seen a rise in large-cell carcinoma cases. In southern districts like Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kollam, more cases were noted among men despite lower tobacco and alcohol consumption, indicating other contributing factors. Meanwhile, Hyderabad and Bengaluru reported the highest female lung cancer cases, and Srinagar showed significant rates among men, with women in Srinagar and Pulwama also affected despite low substance abuse.
Annual Increase in Lung Cancer Incidence
Trend Analysis Insights
Trend analysis indicates that lung cancer incidence is rising annually by up to 6.7% in women and 4.3% in men in certain regions. Thiruvananthapuram recorded the fastest increase among women, while Dindigul saw the highest rise among men. Researchers suggest that despite tobacco use among women being below 10% nationally, factors like poor indoor air quality and secondhand smoke are significant contributors. By 2030, lung cancer rates in some parts of Kerala could exceed 33 per lakh for men, while Bengaluru may see rates surpassing 8 per lakh for women.
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