India's Lung Cancer Surge: North-East & Women Hit Hardest

India is bracing for a significant increase in lung cancer cases by the year 2030, according to a recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research. The findings indicate that the North-East region of the country will be disproportionately affected, with women experiencing the fastest escalation in diagnoses. This projection underscores lung cancer's growing public health impact in India.

The study, which analyzed data from 57 populations, identified Aizawl as having the highest incidence and mortality rates. While high tobacco use remains a primary driver, experts note a disturbing trend of increasing cases among non-smokers, particularly women. This phenomenon is linked to indoor air pollution, biomass fuel use, and secondhand smoke exposure.

Furthermore, the dominant type of lung cancer is shifting from squamous-cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma, especially among women and non-smokers in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi. Researchers also observed high lung cancer rates in unexpected areas, even with low substance use, suggesting a complex interplay of environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the disease's spread.