Rise in Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers and Young Adults Sparks Health Concerns
Doctors in Kolkata report a growing number of lung-cancer cases among people who never smoked, especially women and younger patients, linking the trend to pollution and occupational exposures.
Medical specialists in Kolkata warned that lung cancer is no longer confined to smokers, as a rising share of patients are non-smokers, many of whom are women and young adults. They attributed the trend to environmental pollutants such as fine particulate matter, indoor cooking smoke, and emissions from nearby factories, as well as occupational hazards in sectors like metal processing and cement. While tobacco remains a risk, experts also pointed to genetic mutations and pre-existing lung diseases that can predispose non-smokers to cancer.
The pattern complicates early detection because symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Physicians emphasized the need for greater awareness and earlier screening to improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding new lung-cancer risk factors helps the public and policymakers address preventable environmental hazards.
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