News: Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) reported that lung cancer accounts for over 6% of all cancer cases in Karnataka, highlighting its growing public health burden.

Key Highlights

• Burden → Lung cancer constituted 6.1% of all cancers diagnosed in Karnataka in 2025.
• Gender Trend → More common among men than women.
• Mortality → One of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths due to late diagnosis.

Major Risk Factors

• Tobacco smoking (most significant preventable cause).
• Second-hand smoke exposure.
• Air pollution and occupational exposure to carcinogens (e.g., asbestos, radon).
• Environmental and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough.
• Coughing up blood.
• Chest pain and breathlessness.
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Concerns

• Often detected at an advanced stage, reducing treatment success.
• Rising urban pollution and tobacco use continue to increase disease burden.

Way Forward

• Tobacco control and smoking cessation.
• Early screening and timely diagnosis for high-risk groups.
• Public awareness on symptoms and risk factors.
• Strengthening cancer screening and treatment facilities.