Lung cancer: Indian scenario

 In India Occurrence of lung cancer was once thought to be rare; however, over the years, incidence has been on the rise. Studies from different parts of the country have shown common occurrence of lung cancer. Incidence of the disease differs according to gender, age group and smoking status. Published data suggests that lung cancer contributes 11.3 per cent of all newly detected cancers and represents the most common cause of cancer related deaths, Accounting for 13.7 per cent of total cancer deaths every year there are 68.000 new cases of Lung cancer in India while it also accounts for 63,000 deaths. Lung cancer is more in male patients compared to females. It is the most common type of cancer in male patients in India. 

BOOK APPOINTMENT

While the data from developed countries is showing declining trend of lung cancer among men, in India, the rates are rising both among male and female population. Incidence of lung cancer increases with age up to sixth decade. A study from a tertiary care center in Mumbai showed median age of patients with lung cancer to be 56 years, with highest rates among people between 40-60 years of age, contributing 57 Per cent of the patient population.

Smokers have significantly higher rates of lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Types of lung cancers also show differences among smokers and non-smokers. After the age of 40 years. Squamous cell carcinoma is most common among smokers whereas adenocarcinoma is more common among non-smoker subjects. Overall, non-small cell lung cancer is the commonest type of lung cancer in Indian patients. History of active smoking is very common in patients with lung cancer. 

The incidence of lung cancer rises with amount and duration of smoking. However, the occurrence of lung cancer is common even among non-smokers.  A study from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai showed 52 per cent of the 489 patients with lung cancer to be non-smokers. In India, there is wide geographical variation in the incidence of lung cancer in different parts with high rates being observed in northeast part of the country. As lung cancer is detected at late state in many of the patients, option of surgery is not feasible in them.

#drrajeshbollam #oncologist #hematologist #oncohematologist

BOOK APPOINTMENT