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According to the data published by the Global Cancer Observatory, the absolute numbers of incidence, prevalence and mortality of lung cancer are the highest in the world with Asia being the highest compared to other continents. In India, it’s the 4th most common cancer found in both males and females. This is even though non-small cell lung cancer treatment has undergone a revolution in the past many decades, owing to the discovery of mutations that drive carcinogenesis and the development of molecular testing and treatments that act on them.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Shaikhali M Barodawala, Consultant Surgical Pathologist, Scientific and Business Head – Integrated Oncopathology, Global Reference Laboratory, Metropolis Healthcare Limited listed the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in young adults.

Though the predominant number of cases is found in the elderly, there are a substantial number of cases that occur in the younger population as well. In our study at Metropolis Healthcare of 13000 lung cases from 2015 to 2021, we found cancer in 22% of them (all age groups). In the group of patients under 40 years, lung cancer was detected in 10% of patients, indicating that the incidence in the younger age group is lower but still significant compared to European populations and other countries as well.

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Risk Factors Of Lung Cancer In Young Adults

The main causative factors associated with lung cancer are cigarette smoking (active and passive smoking) & tobacco consumption. Exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution becomes an extremely important factor for the younger population. Exposure to radiation and occupational exposure, a history of lung disease and a family history of lung cancer are other risk factors.

Signs Of Lung Cancer In Young Adults

The common symptoms include breathlessness, cough which might be persistent, coughing up blood, weight loss, unexplained fever and chest pain.

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How To Detect It Early?

If one has a high-risk history, eg, a smoker with the above symptoms, he /she must not take things lightly and promptly report to the doctor who will examine, order the correct tests and help the patient diagnose whether it was due to any infection or cancer.

Early diagnosis is very important. If it turns out to be cancer with the help of advanced diagnostic techniques like Next Generation Sequencing will be useful to determine which therapy option will be selected.

Low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan are the modalities used to detect cancer early, before it can show signs and symptoms. 

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