World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. But doctors say the disease is no longer just a smoker’s illness. Increasingly, it’s being found in non-smokers and women, often at later stages when treatment becomes harder.
Dr. Hemanth G N, Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, explains: “We are now seeing more lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked. Air pollution, family history, and secondhand smoke exposure are important risk factors.”
Why early signs of lung cancer are often missed
The most common type today is non-small cell lung cancer. In its early stages, it may not cause any symptoms at all. Many patients are diagnosed only by chance when scans are done for other reasons.
“This silent nature of lung cancer is one of the biggest challenges. Patients often come to us when the cancer has already advanced, which makes treatment more complicated,” says Dr. Hemanth.
Symptoms of lung cancer to watch for
A cough that doesn’t go away for more than three weeks is still a major red flag. But doctors say there are many other warning signs people often overlook, such as:
- Frequent chest infections like pneumonia, especially in the same area
- Shortness of breath even while resting
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Unexplained weight loss, tiredness, or loss of appetite
- Chest pain, shoulder aches, or back pain that doesn’t go away
- Headaches, vomiting, or confusion, in rare cases, where cancer spreads to the brain
“These symptoms are often mistaken for minor issues like allergies, infections, or ageing. But if they persist, they must be checked quickly,” Dr. Hemanth stresses.
Changing risk patterns
While smoking is still the top cause, the profile of lung cancer patients is changing. “More non-smokers are being diagnosed now. For cities like Bengaluru, where air quality is a growing concern, this risk is even higher,” Dr. Hemanth explains.
Why is screening important to detect lung cancer
Doctors recommend that high-risk people, especially current or former smokers, undergo regular low-dose CT scans. This can detect lung cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear.
“A low-dose CT scan is simple but lifesaving. For those at higher risk, it’s the best tool to catch the disease early and improve survival chances,” says Dr. Hemanth.
Lung cancer doesn’t always start with a cough. Any persistent change in health, whether in breathing, energy levels, or appetite, should not be ignored.
“Early detection is the key to beating lung cancer. If something feels off, don’t wait. See a doctor,” Dr. Hemanth advises.
