Lung cancer incidence rising faster among women in Karnataka
The average annual age-adjusted rate of lung cancer has increased by 4.8 per cent among women compared to 1.6 per cent for men.
Lung cancer incidence is rising faster among women in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, according to data from the state-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), The Hindu reported. While men still carry a higher overall burden of the disease, the rate of increase among women is a growing concern.
Karnataka recorded an estimated 5,503 new lung cancer cases in 2025, which represents 6.1 per cent of all cancers in the state. Of these, 3,787 cases were among men and 1,716 were among women. The disease caused an estimated 2,048 deaths, including 1,377 men and 671 women.
In Bengaluru, an estimated 1,028 lung cancer cases were recorded, making up 6.5 per cent of all cancers in the city. The city saw 692 cases among men and 336 among women, with 363 deaths reported, including 240 men and 123 women.
KMIO director R. Krishnappa told The Hindu that while men account for more cases in total, the faster increase in incidence among women requires greater attention to prevention, early detection and timely treatment. He noted that tobacco is a major preventable risk factor, alongside air pollution and occupational exposure to carcinogens.
Vijay Kumar Srinivasalu, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, said lung cancer incidence is rising globally, especially among women and non-smokers. Pavan Yadav M.V., Clinical Director at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals, Mahadevapura, added that delayed diagnosis remains a major challenge as patients often ignore persistent symptoms.