Navigating patient journey in early diagnosis of lung cancer in India

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. In India, the incidence of LC is increasing rapidly, and a majority of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease when treatment is less likely to be effective. Recent therapeutic developments have significantly improved survival outcomes in patients with LC. Prompt specialist referral remains critical for early diagnosis for improved patient survival. In the Indian scenario, distinguishing LC from benign and endemic medical conditions such as tuberculosis can pose a challenge. Hence, awareness regarding the red flags—signs and symptoms that warrant further investigations and referral—is vital. This review is an effort toward encouraging general physicians to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion for those at risk of developing LC and assisting them in refering patients with concerning symptoms to specialists or multidisciplinary teams as early as possible.

A review on electronic nose for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response in lung cancer

“…A major cause of this delay was incorrect diagnosis and subsequently inappropriate treatment for TB, especially in low middle income countries. Other challenges may include lag time from symptom onset to the first visit to the primary care physician, delayed investigation procedures, and delay between the diagnosis and start of definitive therapy [4]. LC screening programs using low-dose computed tomogram scans are ongoing in several countries for early diagnosis of LC amongst high-risk individuals [5].…”