Incidence of lung cancer among women in Bengaluru is on the rise, say doctors at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology.
Speaking with Deccan Herald, Dr Ramesh C, professor and head of the Department of Epidemiology, Kidwai, said even about five years ago, lung cancer among women was not even on the list of top ten cancers. But now, it is the seventh most common kind of cancer.
“Karnataka sees about 2,700 lung cancer cases every year. Of these, 1,200 are new cases. Earlier, we used to see only about 400 to 500 cases. This indicates an increasing trend in the numbers,” he said.
There are less number of cancer cases in the developed countries because a lot is being done to create awareness about the disease. However, in the developing countries, the cases are constantly rising, said Dr Ramesh. “Among the common risk factors are active and passive smoking, use of asbestos in industries and air pollution,” he added.
With a large number of women, mostly from the IT industry, taking to smoking, the numbers are high, said Dr Govind Babu, professor, Medical Oncology, Kidwai.
In what could be a dangerous idea to reduce weight, women take to smoking as it suppresses their appetite, said Dr Babu. “This is common, especially among the younger people. They take to smoking as an easy way to lose weight. Little do they realise they will end up losing organs,” he said.
Dr Ramesh said women who work in the fields also choose tobacco as an option to reduce frequent thirst and fatigue.
Passive smoking also has many women at risk. This apart, the City residents are at a risk when plastic is burnt or pollution is high, he said.
Most cases of lung cancer reach Kidwai in the late stages. “The symptoms are no different from tuberculosis. For long periods, people get treated for TB and it is too late by the time it is diagnosed as cancer. All that can be done then is to provide them palliative care,” said Dr Babu.
November is observed worldwide as Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the International Association for Study of Lung Cancer, lung cancer accounts for about 27 per cent of all cancer deaths.
Worldwide, each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Triggers
Active and passive smoking
Use of asbestos
Air pollution