Don’t ignore a persistent cough, Goa pulmonologist warns as lung cancer cases rise among non-smokers

Don’t ignore a persistent cough, Goa pulmonologist warns as lung cancer cases rise among non-smokers

Margao: Lung cancer is no longer confined to elderly smokers, with doctors in Goa witnessing an increasing number of cases among non-smokers, women and even younger adults, according to Margao-based pulmonologist Dr Afshan Shaik from Victor Hospital.

Ahead of World Lung Cancer Day, Dr Shaik, MD Chest Medicine, DNB Pulmonary Medicine, DM Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, said the changing pattern of the disease highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and earlier diagnosis.

“As a pulmonologist, one of the most concerning trends I have observed is the rising number of patients being diagnosed with lung cancer. While smoking continues to be a major risk factor, we are increasingly seeing lung cancer in people who have never smoked, especially women,” she said.

According to Dr Shaik, the disease continues to be most commonly diagnosed among people between 60 and 69 years of age, but an increasing number of patients in their 30s and 40s are also being diagnosed.

She said one of the biggest challenges in Goa is that many patients seek medical attention only after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.

“Many patients reach us only when curative treatment is no longer possible and chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted therapies remain the primary treatment options. A persistent cough is often ignored or mistaken for an infection, allergy, tuberculosis or smoking-related irritation, resulting in delayed diagnosis,” she said.

Dr Shaik noted that delayed diagnosis is often caused by self-medication, symptoms resembling common respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis and COPD, late referral for advanced imaging, and the misconception that only smokers develop lung cancer.

She pointed out that while a chest X-ray is commonly performed, it may not detect early-stage lung cancer. Contrast-enhanced CT scans, PET-CT scans, bronchoscopy, CT-guided biopsy, thoracoscopy and molecular testing are more effective investigations but remain available only at a few specialised centres in Goa, including Victor Hospital and Goa Medical College.

Urging people not to ignore warning signs, Dr Shaik advised anyone with a cough lasting more than three weeks to seek evaluation from a pulmonologist.

She also called on smokers to quit tobacco completely and urged the public to avoid exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke, air pollution, workplace dust and harmful chemicals. High-risk individuals, particularly current and former smokers, should discuss Low-Dose CT (LDCT) screening with their doctor, as it can help detect lung cancer at an early and more treatable stage.

“Lung cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease. Early recognition of symptoms, timely consultation with a pulmonologist and appropriate investigations can make a significant difference. Greater awareness, especially among non-smokers and younger adults, is essential if we are to improve survival rates,” Dr Shaik said.