Actor Sanjay Dutt has been diagnosed with lung cancer, claims a well-known film critic. The actor was reportedly admitted to Lilavati hospital in Mumbai after complaining of breathlessness on August 8. His COVID-19 rapid antigen test had come back negative, according to some reports.

The actor himself had tweeted about taking a medical leave from work, saying, "Hi friends, I am taking a short break from work for medical treatment. My family and friends are with me and I urge my well-wishers not to worry or unnecessarily speculate. With your love and good wishes, I will be back soon!"

Lung Cancer Causes

While lung cancer has been linked to genetic factors, exposure to asbestos, air pollution and cooking fumes, about 80% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking, or exposure to second hand smoke, according to Cancer.org.

Risk of lung cancer is related to the number of cigarettes smoked over a time, with doctors often measuring risk in terms of what they call pack-years. Of the nearly 7000 chemical compounds found in cigarette smoke, many are considered carcinogens.

Over years, in big metros like Delhi, air pollution has been closely linked to the number of lung cancer cases going up in non-smokers and women.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

According to UK's National Health Service, symptoms range from:

• Cough that doesn't go away after 2 or 3 weeks

• Long-standing cough that gets worse

• Returning chest infection

• Coughing up blood

• Difficulty in breathing

• Persistent breathlessness and fatigue

Diagnosis and Treatment

It would generally be diagnosed by a doctor with a chest X-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy and biopsy.

It's important to note that there are different types and stages of of lung cancer that are determined clinically by doctors once the tests are analysed.

The most common treatment plan will be a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Prevention is rooted in reducing your exposure to cigarette smoke and even if you so smoke, to quit. Remember, your risk is calculated in cigarettes smoked multiplied by number of years.

In places like Delhi, the concern is air pollution, and active measures by the governments is reduce pollution is essential to prevent non-smokers and children from falling prey to lung cancer.