Health experts are expressing concern over the alarming trend of lung cancer among women and non-smokers in Bengaluru, the IT capital of India, on World Lung Cancer Day. According to Dr. Vivek Anand Padegal, Director – Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, lung cancer is witnessing a surge among women in the state capital.
A recent study conducted by the Indian Cancer Society revealed that the incidence of lung cancer among female residents of Bengaluru has risen by 20 percent in the past five years. This concerning pattern is particularly distressing as lung cancer ranks as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. The increase in female smokers is identified as a significant contributing factor to this growing issue, with more women taking up smoking in recent times.
Since smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, this rise in the number of female smokers is likely driving the surge in cases. Additionally, passive smoking among non-smokers could also be playing a role in this concerning trend, as mentioned by Dr. Vivek Anand Padegal. Urgent measures are needed to address this emerging public health challenge and promote awareness about the risk factors associated with lung cancer in Bengaluru.