Lung cancer rising in women, non-smokers in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Pulmonologists have pointed out that the city is seeing a rise in number of lung cancer cases among women and non-smokers. Experts have attributed this worrying trend to air pollution, second-hand smoking and other environmental factors. “According to our recent findings, 30 of 100 patients belong to the younger-than-30 age group, and of those 30, nearly 49% are non-smokers,” said KIMS Hospitals consultant pulmonologist, Dr V V Ramana Prasad.
“The male-to-female ratio is also significantly changing, indicating a steep rise in the proportion of female patients as compared to studies in the past.Earlier studies had reported a much lower incidence of the disease in females,” Dr Prasad said.

Experts have also mentioned tertiary smoking as a factor affecting people who have never smoked. “Toxic residue lingers on indoor surfaces and in dust long after a cigarette has been extinguished. Most are carcinogenic. Such particles settle in our surrounding objects, like car interiors, plants and can reach human bodies via touch,” said director of state-run MNJ Cancer Hospital, Dr Jayalatha Nethagani.
Another factor leading to an alarming rise in number of lung cancer patients is the long exposure to poor quality of air. “There is an urgent need for a more robust data collection for lung cancer in the country, with immediate measures to work towards early detection, smoking cessation and controlling both outdoor as well as indoor air pollution,” said Dr Mallu Gangadhar Reddy, senior pulmonologist at Yashodha Hospitals.