India Among Top Four Countries With Highest Lung Cancer Death Rates, Say Pulmonary Specialists
Chandigarh, August 1:
Lung cancer has emerged as the most common and deadliest form of cancer worldwide, with 2.4 million cases reported in 2022 alone, according to medical experts. China, the United States, Japan, and India top the list of countries with the highest number of lung cancer cases, while India is also among the top four countries with the highest mortality due to the disease.
At a press conference held on Friday at Livassa Hospital in Mohali, Dr. Sonal, Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine, stated that one in every five cancer-related deaths globally is attributed to lung cancer. “Lung cancer typically starts in the airway lining cells and remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer globally. The primary risk factor—accounting for nearly 80% of deaths—is smoking,” she said.
Discussing the symptoms, Dr. Kritharth, also a Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at Livassa Hospital, highlighted that persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood are among the early signs of lung cancer. “Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. However, the absence of symptoms in the initial stages makes diagnosis challenging,” he explained.
Both doctors stressed that screening is a powerful tool in identifying lung cancer at an early stage. “If diagnosed and treated in the early stages, life expectancy can increase by up to five years,” added Dr. Kritharth.
Despite its importance, access to lung cancer screening programs remains limited, particularly in many parts of the world. “This lack of access continues to be a major barrier in saving lives,” Dr. Sonal pointed out, calling for increased awareness and better infrastructure for early screening.
The doctors urged individuals, especially smokers and those with high-risk factors, to undergo regular screenings to enable early detection and improve survival chances.
