A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families, often bringing fear and uncertainty about the future. However, oncologists say that after diagnosis, patients typically enter a structured treatment pathway involving detailed testing, staging, and personalised care planning. Dr Manish Singhal, director at Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad, has highlighted the need for greater awareness about lung cancer, especially because a significant number of cases in India occur among people who have never smoked. According to Dr Singhal, up to 50 per cent of lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers, challenging the common perception that the disease is only linked to tobacco use.

While smoking remains one of the biggest risk factors globally, experts point out that genetic factors, exposure to air pollution, workplace hazards, second-hand smoke, and other environmental influences can also contribute to the development of lung cancer. Dr Singhal said the period immediately after diagnosis is often the most difficult for patients as they process the news and understand what it means for their health. However, he explained that modern cancer care follows a systematic approach, beginning with investigations to determine the exact type and stage of the disease. After a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors usually conduct additional tests, including imaging scans and biopsies, to understand the extent of cancer spread and identify specific characteristics of the tumour.

These details help oncologists decide the most suitable treatment approach, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments. The oncologist stressed that lung cancer is not a single disease but a group of cancers with different biological behaviours. Advances in medical research have allowed doctors to identify specific genetic changes in some tumours, enabling targeted treatments that can improve outcomes for selected patients. Dr Singhal also urged people not to ignore warning signs such as persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, breathing difficulties, or coughing up blood.

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Many patients delay medical consultation because they associate lung cancer only with smokers or dismiss symptoms as minor respiratory issues. Early evaluation, he said, can improve the chances of timely diagnosis and treatment. The doctor emphasised that a diagnosis does not immediately determine the outcome for a patient. Treatment decisions depend on several factors, including the stage of cancer, overall health condition, tumour characteristics, and response to therapy. With improvements in diagnostic methods and treatment options, many patients today have access to more personalised and effective care compared with previous years. For non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer, identifying the underlying cause can be an important part of treatment planning.

Genetic testing and molecular profiling are increasingly being used to understand tumour behaviour and determine whether specific therapies may be beneficial. Experts also stress the importance of reducing risk factors through healthier lifestyles, avoiding tobacco exposure, limiting exposure to harmful pollutants where possible, and seeking medical advice when persistent symptoms appear. The growing number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers highlights the need for broader public awareness and screening discussions. Doctors say recognising symptoms early and seeking timely medical attention can play a crucial role in improving survival rates and helping patients receive appropriate treatment at the right stage of the disease.

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