World Lung Cancer Day 2024: In India, lung cancer carries a heavy stigma often linked to smoking. According to Sigal Atzmon, President & Chief Executive Officer of Medix Global, patients often feel shame and guilt, which adds to their emotional stress.
“This, along with a lack of knowledge about other risk factors, sets the stage for late diagnosis and poor results. This wrong idea not only cuts off patients but also gets in the way of early finding and care. Many individuals believe lung cancer is self-caused. These social views make a tough world for those fighting the disease, thereby hurting their mental and emotional health. This stigma stands in the way of good cancer care and support in India,” Atzmon told Financial Express.com.
To remove the stigma around lung cancer in India matters for a few key reasons. First, it breaks down the myth that lung cancer affects smokers. This myth itself keeps many from getting checked , which is key for early diagnosis, and best possible outcomes, she revealed.
“We know that the earlier the diagnosis the higher the survival and cure rates. Second, it eases the emotional and mental load on patients and their loved ones. Stigma can lead to being left out and treated unfairly making it hard to deal with the disease. Last, it opens talks about lung cancer pushing for more study, efforts to spread the word, and in the end better ways to stop and treat it,” she told Financial Express.com.
Why are these assumptions particularly dangerous in India?
According to Atzmon, while smoking is indeed a major reason, lung cancer in humans who have never smoked (LCINS) is gaining vast proportions in terms of incidence. LCINS is now the 5th deadliest cancer, often affecting women and Asian populations.
“As smoking rates declined over the last decade, knowledge of LCINS will become critical. Over half of lung cancer sufferers in India are nonsmokers, and the disease tends to strike a decade in advance compared to Western international locations. Misconceptions about lung cancer being solely linked to smoking cause delays in diagnosis and remedy, which can be fatal,” she said.
How does air pollution contribute to lung cancer?
A higher AQI would mean that the air is polluted, while a low AQI means it’s clean. Unfortunately, many cities in India suffer from significant air pollution. “This grimy air comes from automobiles, factories, burning waste, and other assets. When we breathe in polluted air, it could make us ill, particularly patients who have lung comorbidities like bronchial asthma or other such problems,” she said.
Children are also at a higher risk. Breathing polluted air can lead to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in respiration. Over time, it could result in more extreme health issues like heart disease and lung cancer.
According to Atzmon, it also can have an effect on our daily lives, making it more difficult to go outdoors and indulge in sports. “Fine debris infiltrates deep into the lungs, triggering irritation, DNA damage, and potentially lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma. Research shows several mechanisms at play, such as oxidative strain and epigenetic changes. Exposure to harmful pollutants can harm lung tissue over the years, growing the hazard of growing most cancers. It’s a silent killer, asymptomatic in early stages, she highlighted.
How can we combat this issue?
The early detection and effective treatment of lung cancer is a critical public health challenge. To address this, a multi-pronged strategy is essential.
“Firstly, we must significantly expand access to low-dose CT scans for high-risk populations. This includes individuals with a substantial smoking history, occupational exposure to carcinogens, or a family history of lung cancer. Implementing targeted screening programs, coupled with effective patient navigation and counselling, is crucial. Secondly, we need to invest in research and development to improve diagnostic tools and treatment modalities,” she said.
This includes funding for early-stage biomarker research, development of novel therapeutic agents, and clinical trials. Thirdly, a robust patient support system is indispensable.
This involves providing comprehensive care, including psychological support, palliative care, and rehabilitation services. Additionally, addressing the financial burden of cancer treatment through appropriate insurance coverage and government subsidies is essential.
Fourthly, we must intensify public awareness campaigns to reduce smoking prevalence and promote healthy lifestyles.
“By discouraging smoking and promoting early detection through regular check-ups, we can significantly lower the incidence of lung cancer. Finally, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is imperative. This includes training healthcare professionals in early detection and treatment protocols, ensuring the availability of essential equipment, and improving access to quality care, she added.
By implementing these measures, we can make significant strides in reducing the mortality rate from lung cancer and improving the quality of life for affected individuals, she pointed out.
What specific steps should be taken for early detection and treatment?
Lung cancer remains a significant public health challenge demanding a multifaceted response.
“Early detection is pivotal, necessitating expanded access to low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, coupled with robust patient navigation and public awareness initiatives. Concurrent to this, enhancing treatment options through wider availability of advanced therapies and establishing comprehensive care centers is crucial,” she highlighted.
Robust patient support, encompassing emotional, financial, and practical assistance, is indispensable. Prevention remains paramount, requiring stringent tobacco control, occupational safety measures, and improved air quality.
“Substantial investments in research, coupled with effective public-private partnerships, are essential to drive innovation and implement evidence-based strategies. By prioritizing early detection, improving treatment, and emphasizing prevention, a concerted effort can significantly reduce the burden of lung cancer and enhance patient outcomes,” he added.