The Silent Killer Growing In Karnataka: Are You Ignoring Lung Cancer’s Warning Signs?

Lung cancer continues to pose a major public health challenge in Karnataka, accounting for an estimated 6.1 per cent of all new cancer cases in the state.

On World Lung Cancer Day (August 1), the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) highlighted the growing burden of the disease and urged people to prioritise prevention and early detection.

KMIO recorded 13,576 new cancer cases in 2025, including 836 lung cancer cases. Of these, 260 patients were women.

Lung cancer accounted for 9 per cent of cancer cases among men and 3.6 per cent among women treated at the institute.

According to Dr R Krishnappa, Director (In-charge), KMIO, smoking and tobacco use remain the leading preventable causes of lung cancer. He urged people to quit smoking, avoid tobacco products and second-hand smoke, and called for stricter enforcement of tobacco control laws.

State estimates suggest Karnataka could register 89,215 new cancer cases this year, including 5,503 lung cancer cases.

Experts project 2,048 lung cancer deaths in 2025, comprising 1,377 men and 671 women.

Bengaluru alone is expected to record 1,028 cases and 363 deaths.

Dr Krishnappa said additional risk factors include air pollution, occupational exposure to carcinogens, indoor smoke, asbestos and radon gas. He also warned that lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, delaying diagnosis.

Doctors advise people to seek medical attention if they experience a persistent cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, breathlessness or recurrent respiratory infections.

Health experts say stronger tobacco control measures, greater public awareness, regular screening for high-risk individuals and timely treatment can significantly reduce lung cancer deaths.

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