Lung Cancer Myths, Risks And Signs, Doctor Shares Key Facts You Must Know

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Lung cancer is an escalating health crisis in India, caused not just by smoking but also by air pollution, genetic predisposition, and occupational hazards.
Each year on August 1, the world observes Lung Cancer Day to raise awareness about the disease and defeat the stigma associated with it. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung cancer remained the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in 2020, accounting for an estimated 1.8 million deaths, about 18% of all cancer fatalities, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In India too, Lung cancer is a serious public health issue, taking thousands of lives each year and affecting both smokers and non-smokers alike. According to the Indian Journal of Medical Research (2025), the number of cases in India is expected to rise from 63,807 in 2015 to 81,219 cases in 2025
It's Not Just A Smoker's Disease
While smoking is the most widely known cause of lung cancer, in India, a growing number of non-smokers are being diagnosed due to environmental triggers.
Dr. Mohit Sharma, Clinical Director & HOD- Medical Oncology, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, highlights that the most common misconception about lung cancer is that only smokers develop lung cancer.
'While smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, many times, non-smokers develop lung cancer because of environmental factors, secondhand smoke exposure, genetic mutations, radon exposure, etc," Dr Sharma says.
He also notes that due to this myth, timely diagnosis in non-smokers is often put off, because early symptoms are dismissed as minor respiratory issues.
'Many people still consider lung cancer solely a smoker's disease, which is dangerous in that it fosters a false sense of security in non-smokers. Because of this misconception, many people without smoking experiences will often delay getting a checkup or diagnosis, allowing the disease to progress without medical treatment," Dr Sharma adds.
As per the National Cancer Registry and GLOBOCAN 2020, India reported 85,221 new lung cancer cases and 70,264 deaths in 2020, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 7.3 per 100,000.
Smoking is still the major contributor, responsible for around 60–70% of male cases and a significant portion among females. However, among Indian women, lung cancer doesn't feature among the top five cancers, indicating that other risk factors are at play.
Air pollution, secondhand smoke, and workplace exposure to carcinogens are increasingly affecting non-smokers.
Link Between Air Pollution and Lung Cancer in India
Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5, is a key risk factor for lung cancer in India, particularly among non-smokers.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorised outdoor air pollution and PM2.5 as Group 1 carcinogens in 2013, directly linking them to lung cancer.
PM2.5 particles are tiny (less than 2.5 microns), allowing them to reach deep into the lungs, where they cause inflammation and DNA damage that can result in cancer.
Urban centres like Delhi-NCR frequently suffer from 'severe" air quality, with AQI levels above 350 due to vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and biomass burning.
A 2023 study in Scientific Reports showed a strong link between worsening air quality and rising lung cancer deaths in India. Predictive models were able to estimate pollution levels with 81–98% accuracy.
The Global Burden of Disease 2019 report found that 15% of global lung cancer deaths can be attributed to PM2.5 exposure, with India being one of the worst-affected regions.
In parts of Asia, including the Western Pacific, the connection between air pollution and lung cancer is especially strong. Research from the Francis Crick Institute revealed that EGFR-mutant lung cancer is more common in areas with high PM2.5 levels, putting non-smokers with genetic vulnerabilities at even greater risk.
Symptoms
Lung cancer often shows no signs until it reaches an advanced stage, making early detection difficult. The common symptoms include:
These symptoms usually develop slowly and are frequently confused with tuberculosis (TB) or other chronic lung diseases. As a result, diagnosis is often delayed.
The Tamil Nadu Cancer Registry reports that 70% of patients in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage (35% locally advanced and 35% with metastasis), which greatly reduces the chances of survival.
How Symptoms Are Often Missed Or Misunderstood
Lung cancer symptoms are commonly confused with other respiratory issues. In India, air pollution worsens asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while TB remains a prevalent diagnosis.
Dr Sharma says, 'The diagnosis of lung cancer is often delayed because patients with symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent or worsening cough, persistent fatigue, or unexplained shortness of breath, often attribute their symptoms to trivial conditions such as asthma or allergies."
'Perhaps, the most concerning phenomenon is that many patients seeking help from a medical professional only do so after the symptoms worsen – thus leading to late-stage diagnosis of lung cancer when treatment becomes more challenging," he adds.
Many people seek medical help only after more serious signs, such as coughing up blood or major weight loss, appear—by which time the disease may be advanced.
How Early Detection Saves Lives
Dr Sharma highlights that an early-stage lung cancer is most treatable, and screening is an important factor in detecting the disease at an early stage. Detecting lung cancer early greatly improves survival rates.
Globally, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer is between 10–20%, but early detection can significantly improve outcomes. In India, lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer, and with a high mortality rate (5.3 per 100,000), early diagnosis is especially crucial.
'Screening is highly recommended for people aged 50 and older with a history of heavy smoking or long-term exposure to certain exposures, such as pollutants (e.g., asbestos) or a family history of lung cancer," Dr Sharma says.
Dr Sharma advises individuals at higher risk to take an annual screening for lung cancer via low-dose CT scans, which have been shown to have the potential for earlier stage detection and subsequent treatment.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are highly effective in spotting lung cancer in people who show no symptoms but are considered high-risk, especially those aged 55–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history or who quit recently.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Lower A Person's Risk Of Lung Cancer?
Dr Sharma explains that a few healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the chances of developing lung cancer. 'Stopping smoking and stopping environmental tobacco smoke like secondhand smoke are the most critical," he adds.
He adds that staying active, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting alcohol intake can help lower the risk. Avoiding exposure to air pollution, radon, and workplace carcinogens also plays a key role in reducing risk and supporting overall lung health.
Quit Smoking and Avoid Tobacco: Quitting smoking is the single most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk. According to the ICMR, quitting before age 50 can reduce risk by half within 10–15 years. Avoiding smokeless tobacco (like chewing tobacco or pan) and hookah is equally important, as both beedis and cigarettes pose high risks.
Limit Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Encourage those around you to quit smoking, and steer clear of smoky areas. Secondhand smoke increases a non-smoker's lung cancer risk by up to 20%.
Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution: Avoid going outdoors when AQI levels are dangerously high (e.g., above 300), especially in polluted cities like Delhi. Wear N95 masks, use indoor air purifiers, and maintain good ventilation at home.
Exercise Regularly: Staying active strengthens lung function and boosts overall health. Even indoor workouts during high pollution periods can lower cancer risk by improving immunity, as per Hindustan Times.
Avoid Harmful Workplace Exposures: Workers in construction, mining, or industrial jobs should use proper safety gear to protect themselves from asbestos, coal dust, and other carcinogens.
Get Regular Health Check-Ups: Routine screenings for high-risk individuals—such as those with a family history or living in highly polluted areas—are vital for early detection. The Times of India stresses that knowing symptoms and accessing LDCT scans can be life-saving when facilities are available.
Progress In Lung Cancer Treatment
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Dr Sharma notes that lung cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years. Newer options like immunotherapy and targeted therapies offer more personalised, effective care with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
'Liquid biopsies have facilitated more timely genetic mutation detection and, as a result, therapy selection. All of the above have contributed to higher survival rates and quality of life for many individuals," he adds.
About the Author
Surbhi Pathak
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
August 01, 2025, 08:00 IST
News explainers Lung Cancer Myths, Risks And Signs, Doctor Shares Key Facts You Must Know
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