Despite decades of awareness campaigns, ‘silent killer’ lung cancer continues to take 1.8 million lives worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organisation, outstripping breast, colorectal and prostate cancer deaths combined.
It is responsible for about 8 to 10 per cent of all cancer cases in India. Not only is this disease hard to battle since it is so aggressive, but it is also hard to find out about it early. If you catch it early, the five-year survival rate can go up to almost 60 per cent. But most of the time, the disease is only found after it has gotten worse. Symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and weight loss could pass for many other non-threatening conditions, thus perpetuating late diagnosis and fueling high fatality rates that place lung cancer at the pinnacle among cancer-related deaths globally.
Early detection reverses the mortality course of lung cancer that was once considered a death sentence, as per doctors and physicians. The highest at-risk individuals are smokers aged 50-80 with heavy smoking histories, who are the key individuals who will benefit from annual screenings. Delays in diagnosis are caused by myths, false information, and a tendency to dismiss minor but persistent symptoms. Learning about lung cancer and paying attention to early indicators can help close this gap. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Ankit Modi, Founding Member & Chief Product Officer at Qure.ai, debunks lung cancer myths and shares why early detection is important.
Myth 1: Only Smokers Get Lung Cancer
Smoking remains the strongest risk factor, but it is not the only one. Ankit Modi states, “A significant proportion of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked. Long-term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, asbestos, radon, and certain industrial chemicals also increases risk.” Family history and genetic predisposition further contribute.
Myth 2: Lung Cancer Always Shows Clear Signs
Lung cancer often develops silently. Early symptoms-such as a mild cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath, are nonspecific and commonly mistaken for asthma, bronchitis, or seasonal infections. By the time more severe symptoms appear, such as coughing up blood, chest pain or unexplained weight loss, the disease may already be at an advanced stage.
Lung Cancer Early Signs (Image Credits: Canva)
Myth 3: If You Have Lung Cancer, There Is No Hope
This mindset is evolving owing to advances in medicine, surgery and tailored medicines that can now easily treat lung cancer in its early stages. Ankit Modi mentions, “Even for severe cases, medicines like immunotherapy have made things better and enhanced the quality of life.” The crucial factor is time. The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance of curative treatment.
Recognising The Body’s Early Signals
Lung cancer often grows quietly, but the body rarely remains silent. Ankit Modi shares symptoms that includes, “Persistent cough, subtle chest discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite, or frequent respiratory infections should prompt evaluation. Shoulder or upper back pain without a clear cause can also be an early indicator.” People exposed to dust, industrial fumes, chemicals, or polluted air should be particularly vigilant. Routine health assessments and imaging can detect abnormalities early.
Awareness, Prevention And Taking Action
Fear, stigma, and misinterpretation of symptoms often delay medical consultation. Early detection saves lives and awareness is the first step. Reducing exposure to pollutants, testing homes for radon, and avoiding carcinogenic chemicals can lower risk.
Detecting lung cancer before symptoms emerge can dramatically alter the treatment pathway. The difference between early and late diagnosis is often the difference between recovery and lifelong management.