'Doctors mistake lung cancer for TB'

Ling cancer is one of the most prominent causes of cancer deaths globally. This is mainly because of smoking, which can also lead to larynx cancer, oral cavity cancer, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, stomach cancer and cervical cancer. Dr Govind Babu, medical oncologist, HCG, reveals to DNA some facts about lung cancer in India.

What is the incidence of lung cancer?
Till recently, lung cancer was not a major problem in India. But now, because of the increasing smoking habits, it has become the leading cause of cancer deaths. According to statistics, death rates due to lung cancer increased in the 1970s. Fortunately, men understood the risks and started giving up smoking, which led to a decrease in their death rates by 1990s. However, with women continuing to smoke, it is increasingly taking a fatal toll on them.

The incidence of lung cancer among men today is 60 to 65 per one lakh, while it is 30 to 35 per one lakh among women.

What is the reason for more women taking up smoking?
Smoking is not just an addiction, but has become a status symbol for women. Moreover, nicotine, the main addiction component also helps in suppressing appetite, thus functioning as a slimming agent.

What are the other factors that can lead to lung cancer?
Asbestos used in ship building and insulation industries cause lung cancer. People working  there are at high risk.

How can it be treated?
Lung cancer, if detected early, can be cured through surgery. But in India, the challenge is that most of the cases are detected late. Symptoms of lung cancer, which includes weight loss and cough, is similar to that of tuberculosis. Most doctors in India mistake lung cancer cases to that of TB.