According to state medical authorities, West Bengal is gradually emerging as one of India’s primary cancer hotspots, with a high prevalence of lung cancer. According to a recent survey, lung cancer makes up 14% of all cancer cases in the state, which is more than the 6% national average. The primary cause of this tendency is thought to be tobacco consumption.

“Smoking is the state’s leading cause of lung cancer, more so than tobacco chewing. Passive smoking is also included, and the number of active smokers is at an all-time high, particularly in Kolkata. Additionally, we’ve noticed that many cancer patients reside in industrial districts, which suggests that air pollution may also play a part” said Prof. (Dr). Amitabha Chakrabarti, Senior Consultant, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Narayana Health.

Lung cancer‘s greater incidence is further exacerbated by the fact that, because of its unusual presentation, it is frequently misdiagnosed or discovered at an advanced stage.

According to Dr. Chakrabarti, a multidisciplinary team approach should be used to comprehensively treat lung cancer. Cutting-edge technology such as robotic-assisted surgery can be quite helpful in managing the cancer burden.

Dr. Chakrabarti emphasizes how many Bengalis are unaware of robotic-assisted surgery and mistakenly think that robots operate on patients without human supervision. There is an urgent need to raise awareness of lung cancer because it frequently manifests in an advanced stage.

The eradication of active smoking and preventing exposure to passive smoking are the most significant steps in prevention. Giving up smoking as a lifestyle habit is essential. Addressing tobacco chewing is also crucial, and measures should be taken to limit tobacco-promoting ads, particularly those that include celebrities, to deter tobacco use.

Priyanka Dutta