World Lung Cancer Day: Early detection is key to tackling the silent killer, say experts

Recently, a 48-year-old male with a history of smoking experienced back pain and difficulty walking. He initially visited a physician who prescribed painkillers, but the discomfort persisted. Later, he consulted a neurologist who advised an MRI of the spine. The scan revealed signs of cancer, and a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed that the primary issue was in the lungs. The lung cancer had spread to his spine, causing spinal compression.

Asserting that this case underlines how lung cancer often goes unnoticed until it has significantly progressed, Sachin Kumar, director, pulmonology and critical care medicine, Sakra World Hospital, where his cancer was diagnosed, said it is crucial to raise awareness that the disease may not always begin with clear symptoms. “Timely health screenings can make a major difference,” he said.

To raise awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of early detection and prevention, World Lung Cancer Day is observed annually on August 1.

Risk factors

“While smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are major risk factors, cases are now emerging in non-smokers as well. Factors such as genetics and environmental triggers may also play a role in deteriorating lung health,” the doctor said.

Urging people to take proactive steps in protecting their lung health, doctors asserted that early detection can save lives in the fight against this often silent disease.

Echoing the concern, Sunil Kumar K., lead consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, said the biggest challenge of lung cancer is late diagnosis.

“Symptoms such as mild cough, breathlessness, or chest pain are often ignored or mistaken for other common conditions. By the time patients come to us, the disease is already in advanced stages,” he said.

“With early-stage detection, patients may avoid chemotherapy or radiation altogether, instead benefiting from surgery or targeted therapies”Dr. Sunil KumarPulmonologist

Highlighting recent advances in technology, Dr. Sunil Kumar emphasised that low-dose CT scans can now detect small tumours early, improving the chances of curative treatment. “With early-stage detection, patients may avoid chemotherapy or radiation altogether, instead benefiting from surgery or targeted therapies,” he said.

Both doctors strongly advocated regular health checks, especially for high-risk individuals such as smokers and those exposed to industrial fumes, firewood smoke, or heavy pollution. Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, chronic cough, or blood in sputum should not be ignored.

Incidence

In Karnataka, the incidence of cancer is increasing by about 1% each year in both men and women. Nearly 6% of around 88,000 cancer cases recorded in Karnataka every year are lung cancers.

According to data from the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, the institute sees around 25,000 new cancer cases every year. In 2024, about 21,051 new cases were registered, and over 3.89 lakh cancer patients had visited the institute for follow-up. Of the new cases, over 6% were diagnosed as lung cancers.

“Awareness and timely medical attention can turn this silent killer into a treatable condition,” the doctors said, adding that a simple scan at the right time can save a life.