Many people believe lung cancer is a “man’s disease” that affects only smokers. This is a myth, and a dangerous one. Lung cancer can affect women too, including women who have never smoked. Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains why.

Why is lung cancer thought to be a men’s disease? In India, more men smoke cigarettes and bidis, so lung cancer has historically been seen more often in men. But smoking is not the only cause, and the number of women diagnosed with lung cancer is significant.

Why women get lung cancer. Women can develop lung cancer due to second-hand smoke from family members, long-term exposure to chulha smoke from cooking with wood, coal or cow-dung, air pollution, workplace exposure to dust and chemicals, and genetic factors. Some types of lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, are commonly seen in non-smokers and women.

Why women are often diagnosed late. Because lung cancer is not expected in women or non-smokers, symptoms like a long cough or breathlessness are often ignored, or mistaken for TB, bronchitis or allergy. Many patients receive TB treatment for months before the real diagnosis is made. By then, the cancer may have spread.

Warning signs to watch for in anyone, man or woman: a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, a hoarse voice, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and repeated chest infections that don’t fully improve.

Early diagnosis makes the difference. A CT scan and advanced procedures such as bronchoscopy, EBUS and biopsy help confirm lung cancer accurately and identify its type, which guides treatment. Today, many lung cancers can be treated with targeted therapy and immunotherapy, especially when detected early.

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