A persistent cough is not always just a cough. Early action can save lives.
Published Aug 01, 2025 | 9:34 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 01, 2025 | 9:34 AM
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, accounting for nearly 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. (Represntational pic/iStock)
Synopsis: One of the biggest challenges with lung cancer is that it often does not cause symptoms until it’s advanced. Common signs—such as a persistent cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath—can be subtle or misattributed to common conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, or aging.
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide, often associated with a grim prognosis.
Yet, the most tragic truth is, if diagnosed early, lung cancer can be treated and even cured. On this Lung Cancer Day, it’s time to raise awareness about the disease, break myths, and emphasise the importance of early recognition.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, accounting for nearly 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. In India, it is the most common cancer among men and is rapidly rising among women too.
Urban air pollution, increasing tobacco use, and delayed diagnosis contribute to the growing numbers.
Traditionally, lung cancer has been associated with smokers. While tobacco use remains the most significant risk factor—accounting for over 80% of cases—it is not the only one.
Alarmingly, a growing number of non-smokers, particularly women and younger adults, are being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Factors like air pollution, second-hand smoke, exposure to harmful fumes (from cooking or occupations), and genetic predispositions are also responsible. In some cases, no risk factor is evident, making awareness even more important.
One of the biggest challenges with lung cancer is that it often does not cause symptoms until it’s advanced. Common signs—such as a persistent cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath—can be subtle or misattributed to common conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, or aging. This delay in diagnosis drastically reduces survival chances.
The good news is that when lung cancer is caught early, treatment is more effective and outcomes are significantly better. Low-dose CT (LDCT) scans have been proven to detect lung cancer at early, more treatable stages. International studies have shown that regular screening in high-risk individuals—especially those above 50 years with a history of heavy smoking—can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20–30%.
In India, where awareness of cancer screening is still developing, we must advocate for timely check-ups in people at risk: long-term smokers, those with a family history of cancer, or individuals with prolonged exposure to air pollutants or occupational hazards.
Lung cancer is no longer a death sentence if diagnosed early. Advances in surgery, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy have made treatment more effective and personalized. But the first step remains awareness.
As a pulmonologist, I have seen both the heartbreak of late diagnoses and the hope that early detection brings. Let’s use World Lung Cancer Day to talk, to educate, and to encourage our loved ones to seek medical attention for even minor respiratory symptoms.
Remember: A persistent cough is not always just a cough. Early action can save lives.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
