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News18
7 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Lung Cancer Myths, Risks And Signs, Doctor Shares Key Facts You Must Know
Last Updated: 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 top videos View all 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. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : 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 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
OLG winners map: Etobicoke's $65-million lottery winner not June's only new millionaire in Ontario
Mohit Sharma, a lover of luxury trains, no longer has to worry about costs when he's booking his world travels. That's because the Etobicoke man won a massive lottery prize, which he said will allow him to go on a global adventure. He won a Lotto Max lottery prize of $65 million from the Oct. 15 draw. He picked up his winnings from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. in May, which the OLG announced publicly in June. While he was by far Ontario's biggest lottery winner last month, he was not the only person to become a millionaire through the OLG in June, not to mention the many other winners of five- and six-figure prizes. Using OLG data, we've mapped where in the province June's big prize winners (minimum of $50,000) on games such as Lotto Max, Lotto 6-49 and others are from, and in which cities tickets were purchased. This map shows lottery prizes claimed or announced in June, not when the draws took place. Players have up to a year on many OLG games to claim their prize. To make it easier to use the map, it helps to zoom in on the location of interest. More information on Ontario's lottery games is available on the OLG's website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Could your daily office chai be harming your hormones, making you sick?
A warm cup of tea, freshly delivered from the nearby tea stall straight to your desk in that familiar polythene pouch or flimsy plastic cup or the paper cup lined with plastic. Comforting? Sure. But here's a thought that might shake up your routine—what if this daily ritual is quietly messing with your hormones or increasing your long-term cancer risk? Dr Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at Amrita Hospital, explained in an interview with Business Standard, 'When hot tea is poured into polythene bags or substandard plastic cups, harmful chemicals like phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), and styrene monomers can leach into the beverage. These materials are not built to withstand high temperatures, and hot liquids above 60 degrees Celsius can cause them to degrade and shed into your drink.' Additionally, microplastics —tiny plastic particles increasingly found in food packaging—can find their way into your cup too. What health risks do BPA, phthalates, and microplastics pose? Dr Sharma said long-term, l ow-dose exposure to these substances—especially when you consume such tea 2–4 times a day—can slowly start affecting your health. 'Many of these compounds are endocrine disruptors, which means they mimic or interfere with hormones like oestrogen, testosterone, insulin, and thyroid hormones,' he said. Long-term consequences may include: Hormonal imbalances Reduced fertility Weight gain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes Increased risk of breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers 'Over time, these daily exposures can quietly add up, without you even realising it,' said Dr Sharma. Is there scientific evidence linking plastic-packed chai to cancer? While we don't yet have direct, large-scale human studies tracking tea consumption from plastic packaging to specific cancers, the science is concerning. Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, explained, 'There is increasing evidence that hot beverages served in polythene or low-quality plastic cups may cause chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and microplastics to enter your body. These can increase oxidative stress, cause DNA damage, and lead to hormonal imbalances—all of which are potential cancer triggers.' He added that while randomised trials are lacking, cell-line studies and animal research strongly suggest these chemicals can contribute to cancer development and hormonal disorders. Are our food safety standards not enough? Technically, yes. India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations (2018) allow only food-grade plastics for packaging food and beverages. These include materials like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), with strict limits on how much chemical migration is allowed into your food. 'In real-world setups, however—street vendors, local caterers, or even some office pantries—cheap, recycled, or non-compliant plastic is still widely used,' Dr Sharma warned. Most of the time, cost and lack of awareness override safety—especially in office delivery systems where tea is packed in bulk and transported in thin polythene bags or plastic containers. Ramesh, a 39-year-old tea seller, told Business Standard, 'It's about the cost and convenience mainly. A polythene pouch costs less than 50 paise. It's cheap and easily available, far more affordable than paper cups, thermocol, or eco-friendly containers. For bulk tea orders, that's what works best for us. It's spill-proof and saves our time as we can just deliver and don't have to serve each person.' 'No one ever told us that plastic bags with hot tea could be harmful. We've been doing this for years,' said Raju Singh, a 29-year-old roadside chaiwala in Delhi. Could repeated chai-in-plastic consumption be making you sick? 'Repeated exposure to hot beverages in plastic or polythene, even in small doses, can have a cumulative toxic effect,' said Dr Sharma. And office-goers might be at greater risk, simply because they're more likely to: Consume 2–4 cups of tea daily at work Ignore packaging quality for the sake of convenience Be exposed over years, not weeks How can you enjoy your tea without toxic exposure? It's not about quitting chai—it's about how you consume it. Both doctors agree: Avoid hot beverages in polythene or low-quality plastic Use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel mugs—preferably carry your own to work Encourage office pantries or vendors to use certified, food-grade, heat-resistant materials Ditch microplastic-lined paper cups too—they're not as innocent as they look 'Even old-school kulhad wali chai is a far safer and healthier option,' Dr Malhotra added. 'Earthenware, ceramic, and glass don't leach chemicals when exposed to heat. Getting back to our roots could save us a lot in the long run.'
India.com
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This man is the real inspiration behind Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, not NSA Ajit Doval, A. S. Dulat, Kulbhushan Jadhav, he was...
The first look of Ranveer Singh's highly anticipated film Dhurandhar is finally released. The makers of the movie dropped a few-minute video clip that shows the characters who have been roped in for the film. Ranveer Singh's massy performance in the first look has already wooed the audience. With the first look going viral, fans are speculating that the film is inspired by the life of India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, renowned for his covert operations and strategic planning behind the 2016 surgical strikes. However, the makers have stayed silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying these speculations. Who Is Dhurandhar Really Based On? Although the makers have remained tight-lipped about the man behind the film, internet theories and several reports indicate that the movie might be based on a heroic figure — Major Mohit Sharma. Who Was Major Mohit Sharma? Major Mohit Sharma was a Para Special Forces officer who is among the most celebrated personalities when it comes to heroic figures. Mohit Sharma undertook covert operations deep inside enemy territory. Posing as a local, he infiltrated terror networks in Pakistan under the alias 'Iqbal,' earning the trust of militants — an achievement that few Indian operatives have ever matched. About Dhurandhar Dhurandhar's first look features R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. The movie is directed by Aditya Dhar and is set for a global theatrical release on December 5, 2025.
Toronto Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
‘My heart started pounding': Etobicoke consultant wins $65 million in Lotto Max jackpot
When Mohit Sharma scanned his Lotto Max ticket and saw the words 'Big Winner' flash across his phone screen, he could not believe it — so he put on his shoes and went for a walk. Then he came back, scanned it again, and saw the same thing. Sharma, a consultant from Etobicoke, is Ontario's newest multimillionaire, winning $65 million in October's Lotto Max jackpot, a game he began playing regularly in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a small weekly ritual to have something to look forward to during the lockdowns has paid off, he said in a news release from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Over the past five years, Sharma has been purchasing Lotto Max and Lotto 6-49 tickets with a set budget, always adding Encore and relying on Quick Pick numbers. 'I don't pick the numbers, so, knowing that a random number that the lottery computer picked for me the winner — and my name was on that ticket — is just unbelievable!' he said. After hearing the news that the winning ticket was sold in Etobicoke, Sharma pulled a few tickets from a drawer and scanned them using the OLG app. 'I couldn't believe it and my heart started pounding,' he said. 'My phone screen lit up as the words 'Big Winner' flashed across the screen I thought to myself, 'I guess that person I heard about on the news was me!'' Instead of calling his family right away, Sharma waited until everyone was home so he could share the news face-to-face. 'To say they were shocked is an understatement,' he said. 'It was an emotional moment with lots of trembling hands and elevated heart rates all around.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW With the new-found financial freedom, Sharma says he is ready to make his dream of riding trains across the globe a reality. He has long admired the world's most iconic railways and intends to experience all of them, from the high-speed Shinkansen in Japan to the Indian Pacific that goes from Sydney to Perth, Australia. While the opportunity to ride trains across the world is what Sharma says 'will excite me the most!' the happiness he is sharing with his family is the best part of winning the jackpot. The next Lotto Max jackpot draw is Friday, with an estimated $20-million payout.
