Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 12: As India observes Lung Cancer Awareness Month, city oncologists are raising alarm over an increasing number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers, particularly women between their late 20s and 60s. This emerging trend, observed over the past decade, challenges the traditional notion that lung cancer primarily affects smokers.
According to Dr Sai Vivek V, Consultant in Medical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, nearly 30% of lung cancer cases are now being reported in individuals who have never smoked, with a significant share among middle-aged women.
“We are seeing women in their late 20s presenting with lung cancer despite no history of smoking. Genetic mutations such as EGFR and ALK, often triggered by air pollution and exposure to environmental chemicals, are major causes,” he explained.
Dr Sudharshan K S, Consultant Pulmonologist at TriLife Hospital, highlighted that pollution and passive smoking at home are leading risk factors. “The myth that lung cancer doesn’t affect women delays diagnosis. Even though smoking among women has increased slightly, cancers in non-smokers are also on the rise,” he said.
Supporting this, Dr Vinayak Maka, Consultant, Medical Oncology at Ramaiah Institute of Oncosciences, noted that most non-smoker lung cancers are gene-driven. “These patients are genetically predisposed. Genetic testing often reveals mutations that respond well to targeted therapy, allowing patients to live longer and with better quality of life,” he added.
Dr Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant, Interventional Pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital, pointed out that social factors and lack of awareness contribute to delayed diagnosis. “Many women ignore symptoms like persistent cough or breathlessness because they prioritise family needs. Some avoid hospitals due to financial worries or social stigma. In rural areas, limited access to specialised care further worsens delays,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr Rajeev Vijayakumar, HOD & Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, said misconceptions remain a key barrier to early detection. “Because lung cancer is so strongly linked to smoking, many women — and even some healthcare professionals — overlook it in non-smokers. Persistent cough, chest pain, or breathlessness are often mistaken for allergies or infections,” he remarked.
Doctors have urged people to stay alert to early symptoms and undergo timely screening, stressing that early detection and molecular testing can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.