New Delhi, Mar 27: Gujarat BJP MP Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai raised alarm in the Rajya Sabha on Friday over the rising incidence of lung cancer among non‑smokers, linking the trend to deteriorating air quality and calling on the government to launch a national screening programme for early detection.
Speaking during Zero Hour, Desai cited data from AIIMS, New Delhi, showing that out of roughly 1,00,000 new lung cancer cases diagnosed annually in India, about 40 per cent occur in people who have never smoked. “This completely challenges traditional beliefs and indicates the changing nature of this disease,” he said.
The MP highlighted air pollution as a key driver, with fine PM 2.5 particulate matter emerging as a major risk factor. He attributed worsening air quality to rapid urbanisation, expanding industry, and a growing vehicle fleet, warned that delayed diagnosis remains the biggest hurdle, and noted that most lung cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage, with around 70 per cent of patients dying within a year of diagnosis.
Desai pointed to the limitations in healthcare preparedness and public awareness, and while acknowledging the government’s Ayushman Bharat‑linked efforts on cancer care, urged tighter pollution control, a targeted national screening programme for early lung cancer detection, and stepped‑up awareness and infrastructure strengthening.
