Lung cancer accounts for 6% of cancer cases in Karnataka; tobacco remains biggest risk factor
Lung cancer accounts for over 6% of all new cancer cases in Karnataka, with tobacco use identified as the primary preventable risk factor. Health officials are calling for stronger enforcement of tobacco-control laws and improved early detection strategies.
Why it matters
The data highlights a significant public health burden that requires targeted policy interventions and increased awareness to reduce mortality rates.
Lung cancer continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Karnataka, accounting for over 6% of all new cancer cases in the State.
According to data released by the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) ahead of World Lung Cancer Day observed on August 1, as many as 836 of the 13,576 new cancer cases diagnosed in 2025 at KMIO, were lung cancer cases. This accounts for 6.1% of the institute’s total cancer burden.
The 836 lung cancer cases included 260 women. Lung cancer constituted 9% of all cancers diagnosed in men at the institute and 3.6% among women.
Kidwai director (in charge) R. Krishnappa told The Hindu that the figures reflected the continuing burden of lung cancer and underscored the need to strengthen prevention, early detection, timely treatment and long-term follow-up.
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