Lung Cancer Cases Rising Among Non-Smokers, Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai Tells Rajya Sabha

A Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai, raised his voice in the Upper House on Friday regarding an increasing number of non-smokers being diagnosed with lung cancer. He is also a BJP leader. He urged the government to launch a cancer screening program across the country so that cancer can be detected early.

While raising his issue under Zero Hour in the Upper House, Desai quoted statistics from AIIMS in New Delhi. The statistics reveal that every year, approximately 100,000 new cases of lung cancer are reported in India, out of which 40 percent are from non-smokers.

Desai pointed out that air pollution is increasing lung cancer in India, with PM 2.5 being the highest factor. He said that rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and the increasing number of vehicles are leading to a continuous decline in air quality, posing a serious threat to health.

He informed that AIIMS is conducting extensive research on the link between air pollution and cancer among approximately 3,200 people.

Desai said that most cases of lung cancer are detected when the disease is in an advanced or severe stage. Consequently, approximately 70 percent of patients die within a year of diagnosis.

Desai urged the government to reduce and control air pollution, launch a national screening program for early detection of lung cancer, and strengthen public awareness and healthcare infrastructure.