Karnataka women's lung cancer rates surge

In Karnataka, the incidence of lung cancer among women is rising at a faster pace compared to men, according to data from the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO). While men have a higher overall number of cases, the average annual age-adjusted rate has increased by 4.8% for women, versus 1.6% for men. This trend is a significant concern, highlighting the need for enhanced prevention strategies and early detection efforts specifically for women.

Bengaluru alone recorded an estimated 1,028 lung cancer cases in 2025. Experts emphasize that lung cancer is not solely a disease of smokers, with air pollution, second-hand smoke, and occupational exposure also being significant risk factors. Persistent symptoms like cough, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss should not be ignored and require prompt medical evaluation. Identifying actionable mutations through genomic profiling is critical for effective targeted therapies, improving patient outcomes and survival rates.