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Lung Cancer Epidemic Grips Jharkhand as Pollution Emerges as Top Culprit
31 Jul
Summary
- Lung cancer cases surge to 100 per 100,000 population in Jharkhand
- Pollution overtakes smoking as leading cause of lung cancer in urban areas
- Delayed diagnosis and late-stage presentation hamper treatment and survival
As of July 2025, Jharkhand is facing a growing lung cancer epidemic, with medical professionals reporting a significant increase in the number of cases. According to the latest data, the state is now seeing around 100 lung cancer cases per 100,000 population, a concerning trend that has prompted urgent calls for action.
Doctors and specialists in the state have raised the alarm, highlighting the alarming rise in lung cancer diagnoses, particularly among non-smokers. Dr. Gunjesh Kumar, an oncologist at Paras Hospital and Sadar Hospital, explains that in recent years, they have been seeing a surge in adenocarcinomas, a type of lung cancer that was relatively rare earlier. This shift, he says, correlates with the growing levels of air pollution in the state.
The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that many patients initially mistake the symptoms of lung cancer for tuberculosis, leading to prolonged and inappropriate treatment. By the time they reach the specialists, the cancer is often in its advanced stages, making treatment and survival more challenging.
Experts emphasize that pollution has become a more significant contributor to lung cancer than smoking in certain urban and peri-urban areas of Jharkhand. Dr. Sandeep Kumar, a consultant in surgical oncology at Bhagwan Mahavir Manipal Hospital, highlights the significant risk posed by the state's industrial belts, where mining dust, industrial emissions, and occupational exposure are prevalent.
The lack of access to early diagnostic tools, such as CT scans and biopsies, in rural areas is also a major concern, leading to delayed detection and poorer outcomes. Dr. Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh, a consultant in medical oncology at HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, stresses the need to decentralize services, train local healthcare providers, and make early intervention more accessible and affordable.
As the state grapples with this growing health crisis, medical professionals are calling for a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to address the issue. Early diagnosis, prompt medical intervention, and a focus on preventive measures are crucial to improving patient survival and outcomes in Jharkhand.
