A shocking revelation about lung cancer has emerged. New research indicates that lung cancer is rapidly increasing among the youth in India. Surprisingly, most patients have never smoked.
A recently published study in 'The Lancet' journal highlighted an alarming spread of lung cancer among non-smokers in Southeast Asia.
According to this study, lung cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. It was reported that in 2020, more than 2.2 million new cases were diagnosed globally, resulting in nearly 1.8 million deaths. In India, there were 72,510 new cases and 66,279 deaths in 2020 alone; 7.8% of all cancer-related deaths were due to lung cancer.
Two startling statistics about lung cancer
- First:
The study indicates that the average age of lung cancer diagnosis in India is about a decade earlier than in Western countries. The average age in India is 28.2 years. However, this could be linked to India's young population. Western countries typically detect lung cancer between 54 to 70 years of age, whereas in America, the average is 38 years and in China, it's 39 years.
- Second:
The incidence of lung cancer in India has been climbing. In 1990, the rate was 6.62 per 100,000 people, which rose to 7.7 in 2019. This means that in 2019, 7.7 out of every 100,000 individuals were suffering from lung cancer. From 1990 to 2019, the incidence has increased from 10.36 to 11.16 for men and from 2.68 to 4.49 for women.
Also concerning is the rise in non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer. Surveys suggest that 40 to 50 percent in India and 83 percent of female patients in South Asia never smoked.
Experts at Tata Medical College mentioned in the study that over 50% of the lung cancer patients they received were non-smokers.
Why are non-smokers getting lung cancer?
Two primary reasons are passive or secondhand smoking and pollution. The study found that in workplaces, 3 out of every 10 adults are exposed to passive smoking. Even if you're not a smoker, being around those who do smoke can result in inhaling harmful smoke.
Additionally, non-smokers who work in mines and factories are also at risk of developing lung cancer due to exposure to harmful chemicals and gases.
'The Lancet' study underscores urban air pollution as an increasing risk for lung cancer among non-smokers, with PM2.5 particles identified as a leading risk factor. PM2.5 means particles smaller than 2.5 microns.
How dangerous is PM2.5?
Atmospheric PM2.5 is considered extremely hazardous. These ultrafine particles are 100 times thinner than human hair and can enter our bodies through the nose and mouth, impacting the heart and lungs and significantly affecting health. Their presence in the air not only increases pollution but also degrades our health.
PM2.5 particles consist of nitrate and sulfate acids, chemicals, metals, and dust. Being so small, they can infiltrate deep into the lungs and cause severe illness. For people with existing heart and lung diseases, these particles can be fatal, while healthy individuals risk heart attacks, asthma, and lung disorders.
A study in January this year claimed that India has the highest levels of PM2.5 globally, with Delhi recording the largest amounts. The study warned that during winter in India, indoor air can be 41% more polluted than outdoor air.
