Why are so many young people getting lung cancer, and what can be done?

Lung cancer affects us all, not just smokers. Let’s raise awareness this world lung cancer day and work towards a healthier future for everyone. (image: pexels)

Lung cancer is typically thought of as a smoker’s disease, most often occurring in older individuals. But here is a new and alarming development: suddenly, young Indians, many of them non-smokers, are developing the cancer in increasing numbers, reveals Dr Abhishek Yadav, Sr Consultant, Medical Oncology: Yashoda Medicity.

There has been a drift in the numbers being admitted to hospital and entered in the cancer registries where patients under the age of 40 are involved and this begs many questions of cause, prevention and what can be done.

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Here are five compelling reasons for the shift, and what we can do about it according to Yadav.

Air Pollution: The hidden danger

Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata rank high in the world on pollution indices. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) which eats away lung tissue and there is no question that it’s been definitively associated with cancer risk, in some cases to people who never smoked. For an entire generation of young adults, simply breathing on a given day could have been dangerous.

Passive smoking poses a continued serious risk

You do not need to light a cigarette to breathe smoke. Secondhand smoke from parents, friends or coworkers remains disturbingly common. Continuous exposure, especially indoors, significantly increases the risk of lung injury and cancer.

Genetics is even more important than we thought

Some young patients have specific gene mutations, such as EGFR, ALK or ROS1, that can be the cause of cancer despite their lack of a smoking history. The silver lining? These cancers generally respond to targeted therapies, a newer type of treatment that is focused more specifically and is less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.

Early symptoms are often ignored

For the most part, young adults dismiss such symptoms — a chronic cough, chest pain or difficulty breathing — as stress, allergies or pollution. Unfortunately, the delay in receiving that diagnosis can mean that the disease progresses quietly until it’s too late.

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What can we do about it?

Increase knowledge that lung cancer is not just for smokers.

Fight for cleaner air, both personally and in policy.

Install air purifiers in the home, and cover faces on high-pollution days.

Give young patients access to genomic testing.

Advocate more rigorous tobacco control policies to alleviate passive smoke exposure.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.