Lung cancer myths challenged: early detection saves lives today

Dr. Rajesh Shinde of Apollo Hospitals busts the three most damaging myths about lung cancer in India: that it is always a death sentence, that only smokers get it, and that warning signs are obvious. The article emphasizes that the real problem is late detection, not the disease itself. Lung cancer found at an early, localised stage is genuinely treatable through surgery with curative intent.

Non-smokers face considerable risk from prolonged exposure to indoor cooking fuel smoke, second-hand smoke, and occupational carcinogens. Registry data shows a steady rise in cases among women and never-smoking adults, with adenocarcinoma, which often carries treatable genetic mutations, now the most common subtype in India. Any respiratory symptom persisting beyond three weeks deserves clinical evaluation.

Targeted therapies for EGFR and ALK mutations, along with immunotherapy, have transformed outcomes in standard oncology care across India. Low-dose CT screening has been confirmed cost-effective for high-risk groups by Indian health economic research. Anyone with a long smoking history, family history, or years of pollutant exposure should discuss their risk with a doctor, even before symptoms appear.