Lung cancer in Mumbai: 83% South Asian women non-smokers

India Feb 04, 2026

A new report from Tata Memorial Centre shows lung cancer is hitting more non-smokers in Mumbai, especially women.
Adenocarcinoma now makes up 56% of cases, overtaking other types, and the jump is linked to air pollution, biomass fuel use, and workplace exposure.

Survival rates low, experts call for better screening, testing

Nearly half of lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers—and for South Asian women generally, that number jumps to 83%.
Early detection is tough; over half are diagnosed late with symptoms like cough or breathlessness.
Survival rates in India are low (just 3.7% make it five years), so experts like Dr. Atul Budukh say we need better screening and testing, plus more support for patients to close the gap with countries like the US and Japan.