Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani,
As we approach World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, 2025, the urgency to combat lung cancer—a silent killer claiming millions of lives globally—has never been greater. With advanced technology, knowledge, and resources at our disposal, what we need now is the collective will and determination of governments, society, the medical system, and every citizen to fight this deadly disease. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers: Promoting Early Detection and Equitable Care,” emphasizes eliminating disparities in diagnosis and treatment, advocating for a tobacco-free lifestyle, clean air, and health equality.
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases and 2 million deaths projected globally in 2025, according to the World Society for the Study of Cancer of the Lung (WSSCL) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In India alone, approximately 1.2 million new cases are expected, with a mortality rate of around 80%. While urban areas bear the brunt, the disease is rapidly spreading in rural regions, driven by modern lifestyles, misinformation, and inadequate healthcare access.
The Silent Threat of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer often goes undetected until its advanced stages, earning its reputation as a silent killer. Early symptoms—persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, hoarseness, fatigue, or recurrent pneumonia—are frequently ignored or mistaken for minor ailments. In later stages, symptoms like neck lumps, bone pain, headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, or numbness in limbs signal advanced disease, making treatment challenging.
The primary causes of lung cancer are well-documented. Smoking and tobacco use account for 90% of cases, with traditional practices like bidi and hookah consumption deeply ingrained in some Indian communities. Modern trends, such as e-cigarettes, vaping, and hookah bars, marketed as “cool” among youth, are equally harmful. Air pollution, another invisible killer, increases lung cancer risk by 35%, per World Health Organization reports. Cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata grapple with poor air quality, while indoor pollution from incense, cooking gas, perfumes, and pesticides further exacerbates the problem. Other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, industrial chemicals, and genetic predisposition.
Misconceptions also hinder progress. Many believe lung cancer is solely a smoker’s disease, ignoring other causes like pollution or occupational exposures. This leads to delayed diagnosis, particularly among non-smokers who dismiss early symptoms. In rural India, limited access to screening and diagnostic facilities compounds the issue, with many patients learning of their condition only when the cancer has metastasized.
A Call for Prevention and Awareness
Preventing lung cancer requires a multi-pronged approach. Individually, adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical. Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and harmful substances is the first step. Regular exercise, a balanced diet low in processed foods and trans fats, and minimizing exposure to polluted environments can reduce risk. Wearing masks in high-pollution areas and ensuring good indoor air quality are practical measures. Regular health checkups, especially for high-risk groups like smokers or those exposed to pollutants, are essential for early detection.
On World Lung Cancer Day, awareness campaigns play a pivotal role. These initiatives aim to dispel myths, educate communities about symptoms and risks, and promote equitable access to healthcare. Early diagnosis is a game-changer—screening programs, though limited in India, can detect lung cancer before it spreads. Advocacy for regular, accessible screening, particularly in rural areas, is crucial.
Advances in Treatment and Technology
The fight against lung cancer has been transformed by scientific advancements. Modern treatments include surgery to remove early-stage tumors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies for specific mutations, and immunotherapy, which boosts the immune system to combat cancer. Innovations like liquid biopsy and AI-based detection enable early diagnosis through blood samples, offering hope for better outcomes. However, these advancements must be made accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status or geography.
Collective Action for a Tobacco-Free Future
World Lung Cancer Day 2025 is a clarion call for collective action. Governments must prioritize policies that reduce tobacco use, such as stricter regulations on smoking, vaping, and tobacco advertising, alongside public smoking bans. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, are vital to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Anti-pollution measures, including cleaner energy sources and stricter emission standards, are equally critical.
Society has a role to play in destigmatizing lung cancer and supporting patients and their families. Community-driven campaigns can promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about environmental risks. The medical system must expand screening programs and ensure affordable access to cutting-edge treatments. Citizens, too, must take responsibility—quitting tobacco, advocating for clean air, and prioritizing regular health checkups.
A Moral and Social Imperative
Lung cancer is not just a medical challenge; it’s a social and moral one. The disease disproportionately affects marginalized communities with limited access to healthcare. Ensuring health equality means addressing these disparities head-on, providing resources, education, and support to all. As Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani from Gondia, Maharashtra, I urge every individual to join this fight. Let us honor those affected by lung cancer, break barriers to equitable care, and work toward a future where clean air and healthy living are universal rights.
On August 1, 2025, let’s unite for World Lung Cancer Day, committing to a tobacco-free life, cleaner air, and a healthier tomorrow. With technology, knowledge, and resources at our fingertips, all we need is the resolve to act—individually and collectively.
(Note: Compiled by Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani, Tax Expert, Columnist, and International Writer, Gondia, Maharashtra.)
