Lung cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal. It is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, which can occur due to smoking, exposure to carcinogens, or other factors.
India has one of the highest incidence rates of lung cancer worldwide. The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking, but it also occurs more often in people who have poor nutrition and exercise habits.
India has an estimated 7 million cases of lung cancer each year, making it one of the top five causes of death worldwide. Lung cancer kills almost as many people as breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined.
About 80% of all lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes or pipes while 20% are caused by exposure to asbestos and other environmental pollutants including arsenic and chromium compounds found in coal dust particles produced during industrial activities such as coal-fired power plants.
