Other than lifestyle choices, burning of garbage and toxic vehicle fumes are two prime reasons for this.

Bengaluru is now the Indian city with the third highest number of lung cancer cases, the study says. Chennai and Delhi are the first two. Of 18,000 new cancer patients annually, many male patients — about 8 per cent — suffer from lung cancer.

Among women, breast cancer is the most common though lung cancer cases are on the rise too. In 2014, 314 lung cancer cases were reported in Kidwai, 81 of them women patients.

“Up to 80 per cent of the cancer cases are lifestyle related,” says Dr C Ramesh, Professor and Head, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology.

He blames smoking and air pollution for 70 per cent of the lung cancer cases. “Particularly emission from vehicles and the toxic smoke from burning of garbage are the major reasons for this sudden increase,” he says. “The best precaution would be to avoid tobacco and alcohol, and follow a low-fat diet.”

Sedentary lifestyle coupled with poor eating habits leave a person vulnerable to cancer. “A large number of IT professionals struggle with obesity and poor fitness levels,” says Dr Ramesh. “They lack proper exercise, consume packaged foods and in general follow an unhealthy diet. Preservatives in packaged and junk food are a leading cause of cancer.”

Early detection is key to fighting cancer, says Dr KB Linge Gowda, director of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. “People should understand the risks associated with cancer and know that early detection is your best chance at curing it. Recovery is not possible for patients in advanced stages of cancer.”

Young doctors are flocking to oncology and are keen on further research. “In my state, the number of cancer cases has been increasing rapidly. It inspired me to take oncology for my post-graduation at Kidwai,” says Dr VzokhotoPhesao, a student from Assam.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer starts when the genetic material (DNA) of a cell is damaged causing mutations, which affect normal cell growth and division. It is not always clear what causes mutations -- some are inherited, some could be due to the diet and others from exposure to environmental factors. Environmental factors, referred to as ‘carcinogens’, include certain chemicals, tobacco and cigarette smoke. Unsafe sex can also result in the transmission of the HPV virus, which can cause cervical and other forms of cancers.

how bad is it?

18,000 new cancer cases at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology every year

8.8% Increase in number of male lung cancer patients

70% lung cancer cases caused by smoking and pollution