Due to the COVID testing we were able to catch a lot of Lung cancer cases in its early stages

Cancer is considered as the second most common cause of death worldwide, leading to 1out of every 6 deaths. As per reports from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), new cases of cancer will increase by 1.5 times from 19.3 million in 2020 to 30.2 million in 2040. In India, new cancer cases will also rise to 2 million by 2040. Among the various cancer ailments, Lung cancer is among the most feared cancer because, in most cases it gets detected late and by then the cancer has spread to different parts of the body. It is one of the leading forms of cancer in men followed by the head-neck region and is the fifth most common cancer affecting women in India.

Lung cancer is curable if diagnosed early and treated appropriately but that needs regular screening and health tests by the individual. Again here need to raising awareness around Lung cancer and its symptoms will help in a long way, as we fight this menace.

Speaking on Lung Cancer Awareness, Prof. Dr. Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Services, HCG Manavata said, “World Lung Cancer Awareness Day and awareness month is observed to raise awareness about lung cancer around the world. But it can also celebrate the research, breakthrough innovations and procedures which hope to one day turn out to be the cure for lung cancer. As per medical journals, lung cancer is the biggest cause of fatality across all genres of cancer worldwide.  In India, we have four stages of lung cancer, Stage 1 (1.2% patients) Stage 2 (3.8% patients) Stage 3(29% patients) and Stage 4 (66% patients). Lung cancer is a disease wherein less than 5% patients are in Stage 1 and 2. The COVID was a blessing in disguise because it forced people to undergo various tests and thus, we were able to catch a lot of cancer cases in its early stages.  In the last 5 – 7 years new medical advancements like molecular test laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, and immino-therapy have made lung cancer operations less mutilating, less painful and troublesome, just increasing the survival rate of the patient”

The conventional treatment modes of cancer include, surgery, medicines (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy or a combination of these. The treatment also depends upon various factors such as the type of cancer, its stage and other medical history of the patient. Immunotherapy offers new hope for cancer treatment. Lunch cancer treatment has evolved over time and from having patients with just one-year survival in early 2000 in stage 4 disease to multiple years with good quality of life now.