Researchers have uncovered unique characteristics of lung cancer in Southeast Asia, particularly India, that set it apart from other regions. A recent study highlights that the genetic makeup of lung cancer in India is profoundly influenced by the country’s diverse population.
Notably, a significant proportion of lung cancer patients in India have never smoked, suggesting that factors such as air pollution play a major role in the onset of the disease.
The study, which involved researchers from Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, calls for tailored approaches to lung cancer research and treatment guidelines that are specific to regional contexts in Southeast Asia.
This includes the development of dynamic guidelines that adapt to evolving scientific knowledge and are based on local data rather than global generalizations.
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The incidence of lung cancer in India has increased from 6.62 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 7.7 per 100,000 in 2019, with further increases expected, especially in urban areas, by 2025.
The study also highlights the gender difference in lung cancer incidence, reflecting higher tobacco use in men compared to women (42.4% vs. 14.2%).
In addition, related work from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi examines the impact of climate change on lung cancer in Asia. Referring to the World Air Quality Report 2022, it states that South Asia contains 37 of the 40 most polluted cities in the world, with India being one of the four most polluted countries in the world.
