Lalit Nath
(lalitnath784@gmail.com)
Observed annually on August 1, World Lung Cancer Day raises awareness
about lung cancer, a critical public health concern. According to global health data, this disease claims around 1.8 million lives each year, with over 2.2 million new cases diagnosed worldwide. Tragically, many cases are detected only in advanced stages, reducing the chances of successful treatment. In Assam, lung cancer rates are climbing swiftly due to widespread habits like chewing betel nut and consuming tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis, gutkha, and zarda, compounded by environmental challenges and limited access to healthcare. These substances are major culprits, contributing to nearly 80% of lung cancer cases globally. The cultural tradition of offering tamol-pan at social gatherings, deeply rooted in Assamese society, heightens the risk of both oral and lung cancers. Urban areas like Guwahati and Dibrugarh face additional threats from air pollution, driven by vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Non-smokers are also vulnerable, as exposure to secondhand smoke or workplace hazards like asbestos increases their risk. Rural communities, where healthcare facilities are scarce, struggle with timely diagnosis and treatment, amplifying the disease’s impact.
The 2025 theme for World Lung Cancer Day, ‘Breathe Clean: Champion Lung Health,’ is profoundly relevant for Assam. Spearheaded by international health organizations, this theme emphasizes education to dispel myths and encourage collective responsibility. In Assam, health camps in districts like Kamrup and Jorhat play a vital role in informing people about lung cancer’s causes, preventive measures, and the importance of early screening. These initiatives tackle stigma, particularly around tobacco use, which often deters patients from seeking help due to fear of blame or social ostracism. By sharing survivor stories and fostering open dialogue, these programmes inspire hope, challenge misconceptions, and promote healthier lifestyles, such as quitting tobacco and advocating for cleaner air.
Prevention is a cornerstone of Assam’s fight against lung cancer. State-led tobacco cessation programmes encourage individuals to abandon smoking and betel nut use. For high-risk groups, particularly smokers aged 50–80, low-dose CT scans are transformative, enabling early detection and boosting survival rates by up to 60%. Facilities in Guwahati offer these scans, but rural areas often lack such resources, highlighting the need for mobile health units. Stronger tobacco control measures, such as higher taxes on cigarettes and gutkha or enforcing public smoking bans, could further reduce consumption and curb lung cancer incidence.
Recent medical breakthroughs bring hope to Assam’s patients. Innovations like liquid biopsies and biomarker testing have streamlined early diagnosis, making it more accurate and less invasive. Targeted therapies for genetic mutations, such as EGFR and ALK, alongside immunotherapy, have improved outcomes, offering better survival rates and quality of life. Centres like the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati provide these advanced treatments, but rural patients face barriers like travel costs and limited awareness. Expanding healthcare access through subsidized care and outreach programmes is critical to ensuring equitable treatment.
Stigma and misinformation pose significant hurdles in Assam. Many associate lung cancer solely with smoking, leading to shame or fear that prevents patients from seeking care. Awareness campaigns by local NGOs and community leaders are essential to counter these myths, emphasizing that lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of lifestyle. Social media platforms amplify these efforts, engaging younger generations and promoting healthier choices. Survivor testimonies shared during community events inspire courage and encourage timely medical intervention, fostering a supportive environment for patients and families.
World Lung Cancer Day 2025 offers Assam a vital opportunity to unite against this disease. Individuals can contribute by joining screening programmes, volunteering in awareness campaigns, or advocating for cleaner air policies. Policymakers should prioritize robust tobacco regulations and invest in rural healthcare infrastructure. Supporting research through funding and global partnerships can drive further innovation. By challenging stigma, promoting accurate information, and ensuring equitable healthcare access, Assam can pave the way for a healthier future. This day calls for collective action to build a society where every breath signifies hope and resilience, free from the shadow of lung cancer.