Karnataka's Lung Cancer Burden: 6% of New Cases, Tobacco Top Preventable Risk

Lung cancer continues to be a major public health challenge in Karnataka, accounting for over 6% of all new cancer cases in the state, according to fresh data from the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO). The figures, released ahead of World Lung Cancer Day observed on August 1, highlight the persistent threat posed by the disease and the urgent need for stronger prevention and early detection measures.

Data from the state-run institute shows that 836 of the 13,576 new cancer cases diagnosed at KMIO in 2025 were lung cancer, making up 6.1% of the institute's total cancer burden. Among these, 260 patients were women. Lung cancer constituted 9% of all cancers diagnosed in men at the institute and 3.6% among women.

Dr. R. Krishnappa, director-in-charge of KMIO, said the figures reflect the continuing burden of lung cancer and underscore the need to strengthen prevention, early detection, timely treatment, and long-term follow-up care. He emphasised that tobacco remains the single most important preventable risk factor for lung cancer. "Preventing tobacco use, encouraging cessation, protecting people from second-hand smoke, and enforcing tobacco-control laws are essential to reducing the disease burden," he said.

The estimated cancer statistics for Karnataka in 2025 project approximately 89,215 new cancer cases, of which 5,503 are lung cancer – again around 6.1% of all cancers. Among men, 3,787 lung cancer cases are estimated, constituting 9.6% of all cancers in men, while among women, 1,716 cases are projected, accounting for 3.5% of all cancers in women.

The disease is estimated to cause 2,048 deaths in Karnataka in 2025, including 1,377 deaths among men and 671 among women. This highlights the deadly nature of lung cancer, which often goes undetected until advanced stages.

Bengaluru mirrors the state trend. The city is estimated to record 15,693 new cancer cases this year, including 1,028 lung cancer cases, or 6.5% of all cancers. Lung cancer is projected to cause 363 deaths in the city – 240 men and 123 women.

Dr. Krishnappa noted that the burden of lung cancer extends beyond tobacco use. Air pollution, occupational exposure to carcinogens, indoor air pollution, and substances such as asbestos and radon also contribute to the risk. These factors are particularly relevant in urban areas like Bengaluru, where air quality has become a growing concern.

Early diagnosis remains a major challenge, as lung cancer often produces few or non-specific symptoms in its initial stages. Dr. Krishnappa stressed that persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, breathlessness, and recurrent respiratory infections should not be ignored, especially in individuals with known risk factors. Seeking timely medical advice can make a crucial difference.

Globally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to 2022 global cancer estimates, there were about 2.48 million new lung cancer cases worldwide – 13.2% of all cancers – and 1.86 million deaths. In India, an estimated 1,12,659 new lung cancer cases and 98,687 deaths are projected for 2024, making it one of the country's deadliest cancers.

Health experts say that a combination of tobacco control, public awareness about risk factors, and improved access to screening and diagnostic facilities can help reduce the lung cancer burden. As Karnataka grapples with rising cancer numbers, the need for proactive public health interventions has never been more urgent.