Latest news with #NationalCancerRegistryProgramme
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Lung Cancer In Women: Why The Symptoms Are Often Missed Or Misdiagnosed
For women in India, lung cancer is often in plain sight but overlooked due to diagnostic and societal barriers Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer deaths among women glocally. In the United States, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females since 1987. In India, lung cancer is also on the rise among women, emerging as a significant public health concern. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) data for 2012–2016, lung cancer ranks among the top five cancers in women, constituting 6.2% of all cancer cases in females. The age-adjusted incidence rate for lung cancer in women is highest in Aizawl district, Mizoram (27.9 per 100,000), followed by Mizoram state (18.0 per 100,000). Trends show a significant increase in lung cancer incidence in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai from 1982 to 2016. Dr Vishnu Hari, Senior Consultant & Head, Medical Oncology, Haematology & BMT, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad shares all you need to know: Another alarming statistic is that the age-adjusted lung cancer incidence among females in India is increasing annually and approaching that of males. Approximately 32% of lung cancer cases in women occur in the 55–64 age group, and adenocarcinoma is the dominant histological subtype, accounting for 53% of cases in females compared to 34% in males. In a Kolkata-based study, more than 2/3 rd of female lung cancer patients were non-smokers, suggesting that lung cancer is not solely a smoker's disease. Symptoms in females are frequently missed or misdiagnosed, delaying treatment and resulting in poor outcomes. The reasons for neglected symptoms are a mix of biological, sociological, and diagnostic issues specific to women. In India, around half of female lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which contributes to high mortality rates. More women are diagnosed with lung cancer who are non-smokers than ever before. Research across studies, including NCRP data, confirms that many women diagnosed with lung cancer in India have never smoked. This can lead to a bias where healthcare professionals may overlook lung cancer as a potential cause of symptoms, particularly in young, otherwise healthy women who are non-smokers. Biologically, lung cancer in non-smoker females often presents as adenocarcinoma with a particular mutation in the EGFR gene which is treated differently than a lung cancer without this mutation, whereas smokers more commonly develop other types of cancer viz. squamous cell carcinoma or small cell lung cancer, linked to tobacco-related carcinogens. Environmental factors like air pollution, second hand smoke, and indoor biomass fuel exposure are significant contributors to non-smoker lung cancer in Indian women. The biological differences in lung cancer between non-smokers and smokers have significant treatment implications. Non-smoker females with adenocarcinoma frequently harbor EGFR mutations, making them more responsive to targeted therapies like EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., gefitinib or erlotinib), which can improve survival compared to traditional chemotherapy. In contrast, smokers with squamous cell carcinoma often lack these mutations and are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy or immunotherapy, due to a higher tumor mutational burdens associated with tobacco exposure. These differences underscore the need for doing additional advanced tests to identify certain genetic mutations, at diagnosis to tailor lung cancer treatment. Frequently observed symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, back pain, or a cough lasting three weeks are often dismissed as non-serious conditions like asthma, allergies, menopause, or anxiety. In India, vague or mild symptoms may be ignored by both healthcare providers and patients, limiting opportunities for timely imaging and testing. Women also tend to present with non-specific symptoms, such as shoulder pain and hoarseness, compared to men. Societal roles and caregiving responsibilities also delay diagnosis. Women in India often prioritize family well-being over personal health, leading to delays in seeking care. This may cause women to dismiss early warning signs or postpone medical consultations until serious symptoms develop. Developing awareness among women and primary healthcare providers is critical. Persistent or unusual respiratory symptoms, even in non-smokers, should prompt immediate investigation with chest X-rays or CT scans. In India, where 75% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4, early detection is vital to improve survival rates. Public health campaigns must emphasize that lung cancer affects women without observable risk factors, including non-smokers. Increasing advocacy for annual check-ups, detailed medical histories, and addressing gender biases in medical diagnoses can reduce delayed or missed diagnoses. For women in India, lung cancer is often in plain sight but overlooked due to diagnostic and societal barriers. Recognizing women-specific symptoms, risk profiles, and the rising incidence (e.g., 30,109 projected cases by 2025) is essential to advocate for early detection and intervention, ultimately improving survival outcomes. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: 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.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Over half of lung cancer patients in Nagpur are non-smokers: GMCH study
1 2 Nagpur: In a shocking revelation on Lung Cancer Day (August 1), doctors at the respiratory medicine department of the Super Specialty Hospital attached to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Nagpur reported that more than half of their lung cancer patients never smoked. A study of 150 patients conducted by the department found that 52% were non-smokers, pointing to air pollution and environmental exposure as major new culprits behind this deadly disease. "It is a serious misconception that only smokers get lung cancer. Our study showed that over half of the patients never smoked in their life, yet developed this deadly disease. Pollution and other environmental toxins are silently damaging healthy lungs," said Dr Sushant Meshram, head of the respiratory medicine department. The hospital recorded 440 lung cancer cases in the last four years, many of them reaching doctors only at stage 4 or 5, when treatment becomes more difficult and survival chances drop significantly. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Cancer Registry Programme, lung cancer is among the top five cancers in India and causes a higher number of deaths than most other cancers. While smoking remains a major risk, the GMCH study shows that pollution and environmental toxins now pose an equal, if not greater, threat. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Skip the Debt Trap: These Degrees Actually Pay Off Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola The study also found that 45% of patients were smokers, 52% were non-smokers, 78% were aged over 50, and 13% were under 40. "This isn't just a disease of smokers or the elderly anymore. Even younger people and non-smokers are at real risk," Dr Meshram warned. "While chemotherapy remains important, advanced therapies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy are improving outcomes in many cases," added Dr Kapil Raut, consultant medical oncologist. Doctors have stressed the need for early screening, strict pollution control, and increased public awareness to tackle this silent health crisis. BOX Lung Cancer Key Facts: GMCH Nagpur Study - 440 lung cancer cases in 4 years at GMCH - 52% non-smokers among 150 patients studied - 45% had a history of smoking - 78% were aged 50 and above - 13% were aged under 40 - Air pollution now a major cause, not just smoking
India Today
6 days ago
- Health
- India Today
India's lung cancer burden in numbers
Lung cancer, mostly caused by smoking tobacco, has become the top reason for cancer-related deaths around the world, and even in India. What makes it more dangerous is that it often goes unnoticed until it reaches a serious like a long-lasting cough or chest pain usually appear late, which means treatment options become limited. In India, one in nine people is expected to get cancer during their lifetime, and lung cancer is becoming more common every number of lung cancer cases in India is rising, from about 63,700 cases in 2015 to a projected 81,200 cases in 2025. Around 100 million adults in the country smoke, which puts a huge population at risk. Every year, nearly 60,000 people in India die because of lung cancer. Globally, in 2020, lung cancer was the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths. These numbers highlight the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and strong efforts to reduce tobacco use. According to the Population Based Cancer Registries Report 2016, lung cancer cases are highest in India's northeastern from the National Cancer Registry Programme shows that lung cancer rates among men range from 4.6 per 100,000 in Wardha to 38.8 in Aizawl. Among women, the rates range from 1 in Barshi to 37.9 in comparison, the western and central parts of India have fewer lung cancer cases. This difference may be due to the varying smoking habits in different regions. Overall, about 18.9% of India's population smokes, but the numbers differ widely — from 16.2% in Kerala to as high as 72% in Mizoram. Lung-cancer patterns in India look a lot like those in other Asian countries such as people here get the disease than in Western nations, yet they tend to be diagnosed about ten years earlier. Sadly, more of them die from it: many discover the cancer only after it has spread, arrive at clinics or hospitals in poorer health, and often cannot access the newest is a main driver. The latest Global Adult Tobacco Survey shows that 28.6% of Indians aged 15-24 smoke regularly, and the country has about 253 million tobacco users overall - one of the highest totals in the world. In India, lung cancer is more common in males than in females. In 2020, an estimated 71,788 men and 26,490 women were diagnosed with the disease. By 2025, the number of cases is expected to rise, with projections showing 81,219 cases in men and 30,109 in growing trend highlights the need for stronger prevention, early detection, and awareness efforts, especially among high-risk groups. With lung cancer cases steadily rising, with nearly one in four patients in India being non-smokers, there is an urgent need for early intervention, greater public awareness, and stronger policies that promote cleaner air and healthier lifestyles.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
A Bengaluru IT professional, 34 and Panipat teacher, 43, didn't smoke, had home food and exercised every day: What caused their lung cancer?
At 34, Priya (name changed), an IT professional and marathon enthusiast, had little reason to worry. A non-smoker who kept to a strict fitness routine, she dismissed her ongoing cough and tiredness as effects of work pressure and seasonal changes. But as her breathlessness steadily increased over six weeks, she finally decided to get it checked. A chest X-ray revealed a mass in her right lung—and a further CT scan confirmed stage III non-small cell lung cancer. For Priya, the diagnosis was a double shock: first, that lung cancer could strike someone like her, and second, that it could advance so quickly under the radar. Up north in Haryana's Panipat, 43-year-old Poonam Sharma, a school teacher, was troubled by a similar diagnosis that not only shocked her family but also shattered the common myth that lung cancer is only a smoker's disease. 'I had never smoked a single cigarette in my life. I led a healthy lifestyle, ate home-cooked food and did yoga. I never thought I could get lung cancer,' she told her doctor. Poonam initially experienced persistent fatigue, mild breathlessness and an occasional dry cough. There was no weight loss or coughing up blood — signs often associated with lung cancer. Her symptoms were subtle. When the breathlessness worsened, she visited a local physician. A chest X-ray showed a shadow in her right lung. A subsequent CT scan confirmed a suspicious lesion. A biopsy and PET-CT scan revealed that she had Stage II non-small cell lung cancer. Cases like Priya's and Poonam's are becoming increasingly common. Studies suggest that 15-20 per cent of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked, mostly women. A study by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, analysed the spectrum of lung cancer from several hospitals, using data from the National Cancer Registry Programme. A total of 45,228 patients – 34,395 men and 10,833 women – with lung cancer were included in this study. Nearly three-fourths of the lung cancer cases among men were diagnosed between 50 and 74 years of age, with incidence peaks between 60 and 64 years. Most cases in women showed up five years earlier than in men, with the majority (69.4 per cent) occurring between 45 and 69 years. 'What's more important is that most of these women are actually non-smokers,' says Dr Sunil Kumar, professor and head, surgical oncology, AIIMS. Urban air pollution — fine particulate matter from vehicles and industry — carries carcinogens deep into the smallest airways. 'Indoor pollutants such as biomass-fuel smoke, household chemicals, radon or second-hand tobacco add to the burden,' says Dr Rajeev Vijayakumar, medical oncologist, haemato-oncologist and BMT physician, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru. However, the kind of fuel, which has been traditionally used in kitchens, has remarkably changed but obviously it takes more than a decade to develop cancer. 'What we are seeing is the long-term effect of environmental pollution,' says Dr Kumar. However, both Poonam and Priya had a different reason. 'Poonam had no history of smoking, exposure to industrial pollutants or family history of cancer,' explains Dr Raman Narang, haematologist and medical oncologist at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat. 'However, her biopsy revealed a genetic mutation in EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) that leads to uncontrolled cell growth. This mutation is more commonly found in non-smoking women of Asian descent, suggesting an ethnic predisposition,' he says. Studies show that EGFR mutations are found in a higher percentage of non-smokers (45.5 per cent) compared to smokers (15.1 per cent) in some studies. EGFR mutations are not typically inherited but occur randomly in cells during a person's life. They can predispose individuals to lung cancer, even if they have never smoked. This form of lung cancer behaves differently and responds well to targetted therapy — oral medication that blocks the effect of the mutated EGFR protein responsible for the cancer's growth. Poonam was started on EGFR-targeted oral therapy, a pill taken once daily. 'Unlike traditional chemotherapy, this targeted treatment is less toxic and doesn't lead to hair loss, nausea, or extreme fatigue,' says Dr Narang. Within a few months, her tumour had significantly reduced in size. She is now in her 18th month of treatment and doing well, with regular follow-ups and scans to monitor progress. Priya began with a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor and saw her tumour shrink by 60 per cent within three months, regaining strength and daily energy, according to Dr Vijayakumar. 'Lung cancer should not be stereotyped as a smoker's disease. Delayed diagnosis in non-smokers often happens because it's not even considered a possibility,' warns Dr Narang. 'When a cough doesn't resolve, breathing becomes laboured, or weight drops without reason, it's best not to delay a check-up. Acting early — even when cancer seems unlikely — can be life-saving,' says Dr Vijayakumar. The AIIMS study shows that a majority of lung cancer patients go to hospital in a very advanced stage. 'For early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, surgery is often the best first option to remove the cancer and potentially cure the patient. But this cannot be done if patients report their condition at an advanced stage,' says Dr Kumar. In younger patients, early signs are easy to miss. Dr Vijayakumar flags symptoms like a mild cough, occasional chest tightness, or a twinge of back pain. 'These rarely raise alarm bells until weight loss, haemoptysis (blood in sputum), or severe breathlessness occur. By then imaging often shows lymph node involvement or distant spread,' he says. He also calls for public education campaigns that explain how lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or smoking history. 'At the macro level, we must urge frontline physicians to explore early imaging when respiratory symptoms don't resolve on their own. There should be stricter pollution controls and promotion of cleaner cooking fuels in homes,' adds Dr Vijayakumara.
The Hindu
27-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
ICMR study finds only 28.5% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy in India
Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment in India, yet its expansion is hindered by high investment costs and effective planning, target estimation based on cancer burden are crucial to meet the radiotherapy demands of patients with cancer, noted a recent Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) study published in the UK-based BioMed Central (BMC) cancer journal early this month. Major shortfall in radiotherapy access India is faced with a substantial shortfall in radiotherapy utilisation across all cancer types and 28.5 percent of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, which is lower than the estimated optimal rate of 58.4 per cent. Breast, head and neck, lung and cervical cancer account for 60 per cent of India's radiotherapy needs. This underscores the need for interventions to meet the gap in machines required for equitable cancer care,'' said the study. Data from the Australian Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CCORE) were used by the researchers of ICMR-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru, for conducting the study. India accounts for 7 per cent of global cancer incidence, ranking third after China and the USA. By the end of 2025, the incidence of cancer in India is projected to reach 1.57 million cases, posing a significant public health challenge. Cancer burden in India As the fifth leading cause of death in the country, cancer demands urgent attention to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Epidemiological data on stage, subsite and histology from the National Cancer Registry Programme were used to assess the optimal utilisation proportion for India. A sensitivity analysis was carried out. Similarly, the optimal radiotherapy fraction has also been calculated. These measures have been used to estimate the existing radiotherapy utilisation gap by comparing with the current radiotherapy utilisation from the cancer registry as well as to estimate the optimal radiotherapy machines required for the country. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of radiotherapy demand and existing gaps in radiotherapy utilisation and in the number of machines in India based on an epidemiological analysis of the cancer burden from the National Cancer Registry Programme. The study also recommended that India would require 1,585 to 2,545 machines, which may increase to a range of 2,016 to 2,291 external beam radiotherapy machines if the assumptions from previous benchmark studies are followed. This points towards an increasing demand for radiotherapy in the coming years as there is expected to be a 70-100 per cent increase in breast, head and neck and lung cancer in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Among the major indicated cancer sites, the deficit is more prominent in lymphoma and lung cancer (relative deficit of more than 70 per cent), followed by prostate, breast and oesophagus, said the study adding that radiotherapy, plays a crucial role in controlling tumour growth, reducing tumour size pre-surgery, and alleviating pain in advanced stages. Stating that high setup and operational costs are creating a significant gap between demand and resources, the study states that there is a need for greater investment to expand radiotherapy facilities to meet the growing demands of cancer patients. Urgent need to expand machines and reduce inequities The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of one radiotherapy machine (external radiotherapy machine) per million population, with an optimal target of four per million, the study stated. For India's projected population of 1.45 billion in 2025, this translates to a need for a minimum of 1,450 machines. Yet, only 794 megavoltage (MV) machines are currently available. The shortfall is about 45 per cent from the minimal required standard, the study said. It further notes that aside from increasing the number of equipment, addressing the inequitable distribution of radiotherapy services is also crucial. To align with the country's cancer burden and ongoing control efforts, India must meet evidence-based targets for radiotherapy machine availability. The country is also ramping up efforts to develop and deploy affordable indigenous radiotherapy machines to improve access and reduce dependence on costly imports,' the study stated. The study notes that there is need for detailed situational study of radiation equipment deployment with its features and complexity, utilisation and throughput is required for informed planning and policymaking. Cancer screening and early detection programmes can facilitate the diagnosis of cancers at earlier stages. This could reduce the required quantum of radiotherapy shortly and thus, improve the overall survival of patients, the study said.
