A persistent cough, breathlessness or repeated chest infections are often dismissed as seasonal illnesses, allergies or the effects of air pollution. However, when these symptoms continue for weeks or become progressively worse, they should not be ignored. In some cases, they may point to an underlying condition, including lung cancer.
Doctors at CARE Hospitals are urging people to recognise the warning signs of lung cancer and seek timely medical advice. The concern is particularly important for people living in areas with high levels of air pollution, as well as those who have never smoked but may still be at risk.
November is observed as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, prevention and access to appropriate treatment.
Lung Cancer Remains a Major Health Concern in India
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in India. According to GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in July 2026, India recorded an estimated 1,12,659 new lung cancer cases and 98,687 deaths in 2024.
The disease accounted for approximately 7.2% of all new cancer cases and nearly 11% of cancer-related deaths in the country.
While smoking remains the leading risk factor, lung cancer is not limited to smokers. People who have never used tobacco can also develop the disease. Long-term exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke and certain workplace hazards can contribute to the risk.
How Does Air Pollution Increase Lung Cancer Risk?
Air pollution is an important environmental risk factor for lung cancer. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can travel deep into the respiratory system and reach the lungs.
These tiny particles are released through vehicle emissions, industrial activities and the burning of fuels. Prolonged exposure can contribute to inflammation and cellular damage, increasing the risk of several health problems, including lung cancer.
According to Dr. Sudheer Nadimpalli, Senior Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, smoking remains the biggest risk factor, but it is not the only one. Long-term exposure to polluted air can also increase lung cancer risk, including among non-smokers.
He cautions that people sometimes attribute a persistent cough or breathlessness to pollution or a minor infection and delay seeking medical advice. A cough lasting more than three weeks, particularly when accompanied by unexplained weight loss, chest pain or repeated chest infections, should be evaluated by a doctor.
Warning Signs of Lung Cancer You Should Not Ignore
Lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can resemble those of common respiratory conditions such as tuberculosis, asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Some warning signs include:
1. Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for several weeks, becomes worse or changes in character needs medical evaluation.
2. Breathlessness: Difficulty breathing during routine activities, or breathlessness that is new or worsening, should be assessed.
3. Repeated chest infections: Frequent episodes of chest infections or infections that keep returning may require further investigation.
4. Chest pain: Persistent chest discomfort or pain, particularly when coughing or breathing deeply, should not be dismissed.
5. Coughing up blood: Blood in the sputum requires prompt medical assessment.
6. Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changing diet or activity levels can be a warning sign of an underlying illness.
7. Persistent fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness that does not improve with rest should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has lung cancer. They can occur in several other conditions, too. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be checked rather than self-diagnosed.
Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?
One of the challenges with lung cancer is that symptoms may not become obvious until the disease has progressed. Some people seek medical attention only when breathing difficulties or other symptoms begin affecting their daily activities.
Dr. Saadvik Raghuram Y, Director of Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, highlights delayed diagnosis as a major challenge. He notes that detecting lung cancer earlier can provide more treatment options, including potentially curative treatment for suitable patients.
Depending on a person’s symptoms and clinical findings, doctors may recommend chest imaging, a biopsy and additional tests to identify the type and stage of cancer.
What Are the Treatment Options for Lung Cancer?
Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, its stage, the biological characteristics of the tumour and the patient’s overall health.
Lung cancer is broadly classified into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. These treatments may be used individually or in combination, depending on the patient’s condition.
Molecular testing has also changed the treatment approach for some patients. It can identify specific genetic changes, such as EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements, which may make a patient eligible for targeted medicines. Immunotherapy has expanded treatment options for certain types of lung cancer as well.
However, not every treatment is suitable for every patient. A multidisciplinary team typically considers the diagnosis, stage and individual health factors before recommending a treatment plan.
Can Lung Cancer Be Treated With Surgery?
Surgery can play an important role in treating selected patients with early-stage lung cancer.
Dr. Rahul Reddy Levaka, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, explains that advances in minimally invasive procedures, including robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, have improved surgical options for eligible patients.
These procedures allow surgeons to perform major lung operations through smaller incisions. Potential benefits include reduced postoperative pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
However, surgery is not appropriate for every patient. The decision depends on how far the cancer has spread, the patient’s overall health and other clinical factors.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
Not all lung cancer risk factors can be controlled, but certain steps can help reduce preventable exposure.
- Avoid tobacco in all forms.
- Stay away from second-hand smoke.
- Reduce exposure to heavily polluted air where possible.
- Follow workplace safety precautions when exposed to dust, chemicals or asbestos.
- Seek medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist or worsen.
- Discuss low-dose CT screening with a doctor if you have a significant smoking history or other risk factors.
Low-dose CT screening is not recommended for everyone. A healthcare professional can assess whether someone meets the criteria for screening.
Points To NEVER Miss!
A cough that lasts more than three weeks, recurring chest infections, unexplained weight loss or persistent breathlessness should prompt a medical consultation. Coughing up blood also requires prompt medical assessment.
Sudden or severe difficulty breathing needs emergency medical attention.
A persistent cough does not automatically mean lung cancer, and many respiratory symptoms have causes that are not cancerous. But assuming that they are simply the result of changing weather or air pollution can delay diagnosis.
Recognising changes in breathing, seeking timely medical advice and understanding personal risk factors are important steps towards better lung health. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and ensure that appropriate care is started when needed.
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