*Kolkata, West Bengal* – October XX, 2024 – West Bengal faces a critical public health challenge with lung cancer accounting for 14% of all cancer cases in the state, significantly higher than the national average of 6%. A major contributing factor to this alarming statistic is the high prevalence of tobacco use, with approximately 48% of men and 10% of women in the state using tobacco products, compared to the national average of 26%.
The high prevalence of smoking and other tobacco-related habits leads to a lack of awareness regarding early symptoms of lung cancer. Many patients do not seek medical attention until the disease has progressed significantly, often resulting in diagnoses at the third or fourth stages. This delay in seeking medical help is compounded by the centralized healthcare infrastructure in Kolkata, which limits access for individuals in rural areas. Geographic disparities further exacerbate late diagnoses as patients may delay seeking help due to travel difficulties or lack of local healthcare resources.
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal, Medical Oncologist at HCG Hospital, Kolkata, emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and early detection. “The extensive use of tobacco is a major contributor to the high incidence of lung cancer in West Bengal. Alarmingly, we are seeing a significant number of young patients, aged 18-24, being diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed recognition of symptoms,” says Dr. Mandal.
In addition to medical advancements, the role of nutrition in managing lung cancer is gaining attention. Proper nutrition can support the immune system, improve patients’ overall well-being, and aid in the recovery process. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help strengthen the body’s defenses against cancer progression and enhance the effectiveness of treatments. Nutritional counseling and support should be integrated into patient care plans to ensure comprehensive management of lung cancer.
Dr. Mandal stresses the importance of increasing awareness and training among healthcare providers to recognize early warning signs of lung cancer, aiding in timely intervention. “By improving healthcare access and bolstering awareness, we can shift the current paradigm of late diagnosis and poor survival outcomes to one where early detection and effective treatment become the norm.”
