2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P4.17D.05 Squamous Cell Lung Cancer Still Remains the Most Common Histological Subtype of Lung Cancer in Rural India

P4.17D.05 Squamous Cell Lung Cancer Still Remains the Most Common Histological Subtype of Lung Cancer in Rural India

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A study led by Jahanvi Grover highlights that squamous cell lung cancer remains the most prevalent histological subtype of lung cancer in rural India. Despite being the world's most populous country, India lacks comprehensive lung cancer data from rural areas, as most epidemiological studies focus on urban populations. The study, conducted at a university-teaching hospital in northern India, analyzed data from a thoracic oncology clinic, from September 2022 to March 2023, primarily serving rural residents.<br /><br />The study involved 540 diagnosed lung cancer cases, revealing a mean patient age of 59.8 years, with 82.9% male and 95.2% smokers, predominantly bidi smokers (96.7%). Bidis are small, hand-rolled cigarettes with higher tobacco content and no filter, leading to deeper inhalations and more severe lung damage.<br /><br />The research found that 56.2% of lung cancer cases had tumors in a central location, and a significant number (39.7% and 33.9%) were diagnosed at advanced stages IIIB and IVA. The study compared its findings with the 2022 National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) data, revealing marked differences: a higher male proportion (82.9% vs. 76.7% in NCRP data) and a considerably higher incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in the rural population (46.4% vs. 23.4% in NCRP data).<br /><br />The study concludes that the majority of lung tumors in rural India are central and predominantly of the squamous cell subtype. It also emphasizes the unique smoking patterns in rural areas, highlighting bidi smoking as a significant risk factor. This research provides critical insights into lung cancer epidemiology in rural India, underscoring the need for tailored public health strategies catering to the rural populace.

Asset Subtitle

Jahanvi Grover

Meta Tag

Speaker Jahanvi Grover

Topic Global Health, Health Services & Health Economics

Keywords

squamous cell lung cancer

rural India

lung cancer epidemiology

bidi smoking

thoracic oncology

central lung tumors

advanced lung cancer stages

public health strategies

Jahanvi Grover

National Cancer Registry Program