India's Lung Cancer Threat Soars by 2030; Women at High Risk, Study Reveals

• A new study projects a rapid increase in lung cancer burden across India by 2030, with women facing a particularly high risk.
• Northeastern regions, despite low pollution, show high incidence, with Aizawl recording the highest cases and mortality rates.
• High tobacco consumption (68% men, 54% women) is a key factor in the Northeast, while indoor air pollution and second-hand smoke affect non-smoking women.
• Tumor patterns are shifting, with adenocarcinoma now more prevalent than smoking-linked squamous-cell carcinoma, especially in Bengaluru.
• Annual incidence is rising up to 6.7% in women (Thiruvananthapuram) and 4.3% in men (Dindigul), indicating diverse risk factors beyond tobacco.

Why It Matters: Lung cancer is projected to surge in India by 2030, with women increasingly vulnerable due to varied risk factors.