Many people believe lung cancer is a disease of old age, and that young or middle-aged people don’t need to worry about it. This belief often leads to warning signs being ignored. Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains the truth.

Lung cancer is more common with age, but not limited to it. Most lung cancers are diagnosed in people above 50, because the damage from smoking, smoke exposure and pollution builds up over many years. In India, lung cancer is often seen at a younger age than in Western countries. But lung cancer can occur at any age, including in people in their 30s and 40s, and occasionally even younger.

Why young people get lung cancer. Lung cancer in younger patients is often seen in non-smokers, and is frequently linked to genetic changes (mutations) in the cancer cells rather than smoking. Early smoking, second-hand smoke, chulha smoke, air pollution, workplace exposure to dust and chemicals, and a family history of lung cancer can also increase the risk.

The danger of “too young for cancer”. When a young person has a long cough, breathlessness or chest pain, both patients and doctors may not think of cancer. Symptoms are often treated as infection, allergy or TB for months, and the cancer is diagnosed at a later stage.

Warning signs at any age: a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, hoarseness of voice, unexplained weight loss, and chest infections that keep coming back.

The good news. Lung cancers linked to specific genetic mutations, which are common in younger patients, can often be treated with targeted therapy, which can be very effective. Accurate diagnosis through CT scan, bronchoscopy, EBUS and biopsy, along with genetic testing of the tumour, helps decide the best treatment.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com