Doctors at Fortis Hospital Ludhiana raise awareness on the link between air pollution to lung cancer 

Ludhiana, November 2023: During this Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana, takes center stage to shed light on the silent culprits that often go unspoken — air pollution. This seemingly innocuous factor can significantly elevate the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer is a fatal threat but a silent one. According to NIH (National Institute of Health), lung cancer accounts for 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in India for both genders, as well as 6.9% of all new cancer cases. According to Dr. Sushil Gupta, Principal Consultant - Pulmonology/Chest & Sleep Medicine, to reduce the chances of developing lung cancer, people should lower their exposure to pollutants and smoking. 
 
More than 50,000 people lose their lives due to lung cancer each year, and over 70,000 new cases are identified worldwide. One of the most concerning aspects of lung cancer is its tendency to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, significantly reducing the chances of survival. That’s because of the lack of awareness of the fact that exposure to hazardous air quality increases the risk of lung cancer significantly. India has some of the most polluted cities in the world, and Ludhiana is one of them. According to AQI (Air Quality Index) Ludhiana's PM2.5 concentration is currently 4.9 times higher than the WHO 24-hour air quality recommendation limit. Furthermore, Ludhiana's air pollution index has increased to 175 - 300, a level that is considered dangerous on the scale and puts it in the top 100 most polluted cities in the world.
 
Dr. Sushil Gupta, Principal Consultant - Pulmonology/Chest & Sleep Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana said, “People who live in metropolitan areas are frequently exposed to higher levels of air pollution, which can greatly raise their chances of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer is linked to long-term exposure to contaminated air. It's critical to protect yourself from air pollution by being aware of the air pollution levels in your area and taking preventative measures, such as utilizing air purifiers at home, staying indoors during peak pollution hours, and talking to a healthcare provider about your risks. Changes in lifestyle and early identification can significantly lower the risk of lung cancer.”