Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 31: A 48-year-old man’s persistent back pain and difficulty in walking recently led to a shocking diagnosis—lung cancer that had silently spread to his spine. Initially misdiagnosed and treated with painkillers, his condition was revealed only after a neurologist ordered an MRI and a chest X-ray, confirming advanced-stage lung cancer with spinal compression.

Doctors at Sakra World Hospital, where his condition was finally diagnosed, say this case is a stark reminder of how lung cancer can go unnoticed until it’s dangerously advanced.

"Lung cancer often doesn't start with clear symptoms," said Dr Sachin Kumar, Director of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Sakra World Hospital. “Timely health screenings can make a major difference in early detection and survival.”

To raise awareness of this often silent but deadly disease, World Lung Cancer Day is observed on August 1 every year. Doctors are using the occasion to urge people—especially smokers and those exposed to pollution or industrial fumes—to undergo regular lung health checks.

“While smoking is a major risk factor, cases among non-smokers are rising due to genetic and environmental reasons,” added Dr Kumar.

Dr Sunil Kumar K, lead consultant, interventional pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital, highlighted the biggest challenge in tackling lung cancer: late diagnosis. “Symptoms such as mild cough, chest pain or breathlessness are often mistaken for common ailments.

Most patients reach us only after the cancer has reached advanced stages,” he said.

However, advancements in technology now offer hope. “Low-dose CT scans can detect tumours at an early stage. With early detection, patients may avoid chemotherapy and instead benefit from surgery or targeted therapies,” Dr Sunil Kumar said.

In Karnataka, cancer cases are increasing by about 1% annually. Of the 88,000 cases recorded every year, nearly 6% are lung cancers. At the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology alone, over 21,000 new cancer cases were registered in 2024, with over 6% involving the lungs.

Doctors stress that ignoring warning signs like chronic cough, blood in sputum, or unexplained weight loss can be dangerous. “Awareness and timely medical attention can turn this silent killer into a treatable condition,” they concluded.