When we think of lung cancer, smoking is often the first culprit that comes to mind. But in India’s cities, a more insidious threat is taking hold – air pollution. From congested traffic to unchecked industrial
emissions, millions breathe in harmful chemicals and fine particles every day without realising the damage being done. And now, doctors warn that poor air quality is fueling a surge in lung cancer cases, including among non-smokers and even younger populations.
“Declining air quality is becoming a serious hazard to lung function in India. Every breath takes in poisonous chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and infinitesimal dust that burrows deep into the lungs. These harmful substances impair the immune system, promote scarring, and increase the risk of cancerous changes,” says Dr Meghal Sanghavi, Oncosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Pollution Beyond Smoking
For decades, smoking has been the dominant risk factor for lung cancer. But today, doctors are seeing alarming cases where non-smokers, too, are falling victim. “Air pollution is becoming a major underpinning to the rising amount of lung cancer cases we see in India,” explains Dr Anil Heroor, Director – Oncological Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
“Although smoking is still persistently the greatest risk factor, air pollution is addressing a potentially more significant risk to those who may never have smoked a cigarette in their lives,” he adds. According to Dr Heroor, tiny particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 penetrate deep into the lungs, causing chronic inflammation and permanent damage. “Over time, it damages the lungs in ways that they may never recover and heals improperly, also leaving the door open for abnormal cell growth to persist,” he notes.
Urban Living, Higher Risk
India’s rapid urbanisation has only intensified exposure. Construction debris, traffic emissions, and industrial waste linger in the air for long stretches, especially in metro cities. “The risk becomes more severe in densely populated areas with traffic, industrial activities, and construction waste,” says Dr Sanghavi.
“What is even more distressing is that even non-smokers are suffering from respiratory ailments, and more cases of lung cancer are being diagnosed among the youth,” she adds.
Dr Heroor adds that city residents often underestimate early signs. “The actual risk is that signs like cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath tend to be neglected until the disease reaches its advanced level,” he notes.
The mounting evidence makes one fact clear: lung cancer is no longer only a smoker’s disease. Air pollution has emerged as a powerful, unavoidable risk factor that puts entire communities at risk. Tackling this crisis demands urgent cleaner air programs, stricter environmental policies, and greater awareness around early screenings.
