Dr Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh – Consultant- Medical Oncology,HCG Cancer Center – Ranchi
Every breath keeps us alive, but for some, it also carries a hidden danger. Lung cancer often develops silently, without obvious early symptoms, making it one of the deadliest cancers in India. By the time warning signs appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage, when the treatment choices are fewer and less effective.
In few states across the country, the challenge is even greater. Widespread tobacco uses and high air pollution from industries and mining make the risk even worse. It has been observed that many patients reach hospitals only when the disease is already advanced.
The hopeful news is that lung cancer screening can help detect the disease early, giving people a far better chance at successful treatment. The key is knowing when, why, and where to get screened.
Why Early Detection Is a Game Changer?
Early detection can make all the difference, it means finding lung cancer at a stage when it’s easier to treat, treatments work better, and the chances of recovery are much brighter. Lung cancer screening is a preventive health measure that uses imaging tests, the most commonly low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), to detect early-stage disease before symptoms arise. Unlike routine X-rays, LDCT scans can identify small, hidden abnormalities in the lungs with greater precision.
The value of screening is backed by strong evidence. Studies, including those by the National Cancer Institute and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), show that early detection through LDCT significantly improves survival chances. Screening is particularly important for people at higher risk due to factors like smoking, prolonged occupational dust exposure, or a strong family history of cancer.
Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening
While anyone can develop lung cancer, screening is most beneficial for individuals in specific high-risk categories:
- Current or former smokers with a significant history of tobacco use (including cigarettes, bidis, or hookah)
- People exposed to industrial pollutants, mining dust, or asbestos over long periods
- Those living in urban areas with consistently high air pollution levels
- Individuals with a family history of lung cancer or other related cancers
Screening is not just for smokers in Jharkhand’s mining districts, even lifelong non-smokers have been diagnosed due to chronic exposure to harmful airborne particles.
Recognising the Key Symptoms
While screening aims to detect disease before symptoms emerge, awareness of warning signs remains crucial. Some early signs of lung cancer can be subtle or mistaken for other respiratory conditions like tuberculosis or asthma. Key symptoms include:
- Persistent cough that does not improve
- Blood in sputum
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Recurring chest infections or discomfort
Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially if they belong to a high-risk group, should seek prompt medical evaluation.
Barriers to Early Detection
In rural and semi-urban parts, access to advanced diagnostic facilities like CT scans and trained radiology teams remains limited. Misdiagnosis is another challenge; many patients are treated for other respiratory diseases for months before lung cancer is considered.
Overcoming these barriers requires a multi-pronged approach: expanding diagnostic facilities to district-level hospitals, training primary healthcare workers to identify at-risk individuals, and running awareness campaigns about the importance of timely screening.
A Healthier Future Starts with Awareness
Lung cancer doesn’t have to be a life sentence, early detection can make all the difference. Simple steps like staying smoke-free, protecting yourself from polluted air, and getting screened if you’re at higher risk can go a long way in protecting your lungs.
As individuals, we can take proactive steps:
- If you fall into a high-risk group, speak to your doctor about screening options.
- Avoid tobacco in all forms, and support policies that reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and air pollution.
- Encourage family and friends to pay attention to persistent respiratory symptoms.
By listening to your body, acting on symptoms early, and encouraging loved ones to do the same, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of this disease. Your lungs work tirelessly for you every moment, taking care of them is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself.
