At just 34, Priya (name changed), an IT professional and avid marathon runner, had no obvious reason for health concerns. A non-smoker with a disciplined fitness regime, she attributed her persistent cough and fatigue to seasonal changes and workplace stress. But when shortness of breath worsened over six weeks, she sought medical help. A chest X-ray revealed a mass in her right lung, and further scans confirmed stage III non-small cell lung cancer.
For Priya, the diagnosis came as a double blow — not only was she battling cancer, but it also shattered her belief that lung cancer only targets smokers or the elderly.
A similar shock hit 43-year-old Poonam Sharma, a school teacher from Panipat, Haryana. Leading a clean lifestyle with yoga, home-cooked meals, and no history of smoking, she never imagined she could fall victim to lung cancer. “I’ve never touched a cigarette. I thought I was doing everything right,” she told her doctor.
Both women’s experiences underscore a growing but often overlooked reality: lung cancer can affect anyone — even healthy, non-smoking individuals.
Experts say environmental pollution, genetic factors, and prolonged exposure to toxic air may also contribute to such cases.
Their stories are powerful reminders of the importance of early screening, paying attention to persistent symptoms, and challenging outdated health assumptions.
In a world where lung cancer is still largely associated with smoking, cases like Priya’s and Poonam’s demand a broader conversation around risk, diagnosis, and awareness.