6 Reasons Lung Cancer Is On The Rise Among Non-Smokers In India

Last Updated:August 01, 2025, 10:02 IST

In the recent times, lung cancer has also been diagnosed among non-smokers. An oncologist explains the six key reasons that might be behind this contributing to the health concern.

Once thought to be a smoker’s disease, lung cancer is now being increasingly diagnosed among non-smokers, particularly urban dwellers and women, in India. Over the last decade, oncologists across the country have observed a worrying trend: a growing number of lung cancer cases that cannot be explained by tobacco use alone.

“Smoking may still be the top risk factor, but in our clinics, we are seeing an alarming rise in lung cancer among non-smokers, especially women living in urban and semi-urban settings,” says Dr. Sai Vivek V, Consultant – Medical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.

So what’s behind this surge? Here are six key reasons contributing to this silent but serious health concern.

1. Toxic Outdoor Air

India ranks among the worst in the world for air quality. In cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow, dangerously high levels of PM2.5 particles, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants are major contributors to lung damage.“Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter and hydrocarbons can cause cellular mutations over time, even in people who’ve never touched a cigarette,” explains Dr. Vivek.

2. Indoor Air Pollution from Cooking

In rural and semi-urban households, cooking is often done using biomass fuels or high-temperature oils without proper ventilation. This makes prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution a major risk factor, particularly for women. “Lack of chimneys or exhaust systems in kitchens leads to direct inhalation of toxic fumes. Long-term exposure has been linked to mutations that can eventually cause cancer,” adds Dr. Vivek.

3. Secondhand Smoke Exposure

“Family members of smokers, especially women and children, unknowingly inhale carcinogens on a daily basis. The cumulative effect is dangerous,” warns Dr. Vivek. Living or working with smokers can be just as harmful over time. Passive smoking has been repeatedly linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

4. Genetic Factors

Genetic mutations have been increasingly found in younger, non-smoking lung cancer patients, particularly women. These mutations can trigger uncontrolled cell growth without any exposure to known environmental or lifestyle risks.

5. Occupational Hazards

Workers in industries with poor ventilation or exposure to chemicals like asbestos, radon, or diesel exhaust are also at elevated risk. “Prolonged occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances without protection is a known trigger for lung cancer,” notes Dr. Vivek.

6. Delayed Diagnosis

In non-smokers, symptoms like chronic cough or breathlessness are often misdiagnosed as asthma, TB, or allergies. This leads to delays in treatment and poorer outcomes. “By the time many non-smokers are correctly diagnosed, the disease has often progressed to an advanced stage,” says Dr. Vivek.

The myth that lung cancer is only caused by smoking is not only outdated, it’s dangerous. India needs greater awareness, better screening practices, and proactive investigations into environmental and genetic factors.

view comments

Location :

Delhi, India, India

Read More