As diabetes and thyroid diseases grip nearly seven in every ten Indians, lung cancer is emerging as the next silent epidemic sweeping across the nation. The AYUSH Ministry is urging vigilance, revealing that seemingly innocuous symptoms could point to something far more sinister.
Projections paint a grim picture: 81,219 men and 30,109 women diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025 alone. Through targeted outreach, AYUSH is demystifying the disease, emphasizing that early symptoms are deceptively mild and easily confused with bronchitis or allergies.
Key red flags include chronic cough, persistent tiredness, breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, and unintended weight loss. The ministry stresses that ignoring these can prove fatal, as the cancer progresses unnoticed.
Risk factors extend beyond direct tobacco use to include passive smoking, urban smog, and industrial hazards like asbestos. Awareness is the first line of defense; prompt doctor visits for symptomatic individuals have saved countless lives.
Lung cancer develops when cell division in the lungs goes awry, leading to tumor formation. NSCLC dominates Indian cases and responds better to interventions, unlike the aggressive SCLC that infiltrates distant organs swiftly.
This call to action from AYUSH comes at a critical time. Citizens are encouraged to adopt smoke-free environments, monitor air quality, and prioritize screenings. Knowledge empowers—stay informed and proactive against lung cancer.