Diagnosed with Lung Cancer in Delhi? Your First 7 Questions, Answered by an Expert

Diagnosed with Lung Cancer in Delhi? Your First 7 Questions, Answered by an Expert

• Dr. Parveen Yadav
• Jul 15, 2025

Hello, as a thoracic onco-surgeon with over 18 years of experience dedicated to treating cancers of the chest, I have spent my career in the Delhi-NCR region, helping patients and their families navigate one of life's most challenging diagnoses. I understand that hearing the words "you have lung cancer" is a deeply frightening and overwhelming experience. Suddenly, your world is filled with uncertainty and a storm of questions.  

Here in Delhi and Gurgaon, the rising tide of lung cancer is a reality I see in my practice every day. Projections indicate that the cancer burden in Delhi is set to increase significantly in the coming years. But I want to tell you this from the outset: a diagnosis is not an endpoint. It is the start of a journey toward healing, and today, that journey is filled with more hope and advanced solutions than ever before.

To help you take your first steps with clarity and confidence, I have answered the seven most urgent questions that I hear from my patients.

Question 1: Is My Diagnosis a Death Sentence? Understanding Lung Cancer Survival Today

This is often the very first question that comes to a patient's mind, and it's one I want to address directly. The narrative around lung cancer has changed profoundly. A diagnosis today is absolutely not an automatic death sentence.

In my practice, the single most important factor influencing a positive outcome is the stage at which we detect cancer. When we find it early, lung cancer is often curable. The challenge we face in India is that many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This is why it is so critical to listen to your body and seek expert help without delay if you have persistent symptoms.

The greatest reason for hope lies in modern medical advancements. As a surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive procedures, I have seen firsthand how treatments like Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Da Vinci robotic surgery have revolutionized outcomes. These methods allow my team and me to perform complex cancer surgeries with incredible precision, leading to faster healing, less pain, and a better quality of life for our patients. Even for advanced cases, new treatments mean we can often manage the disease effectively, extending life and ensuring it is lived well.  

Question 2: Why Me? Understanding the Causes of Lung Cancer in Delhi

It is a natural and human response to ask, "Why did this happen to me?" While smoking is a well-known cause, the face of lung cancer in Delhi and Gurgaon is evolving.

It's Not Just About Smoking Anymore

For many years, lung cancer was seen almost exclusively as a "smoker's disease." However, the trends I am seeing in my own practice reflect a disturbing shift. A significant number of my patients are non-smokers. A study from 2019 highlighted this alarming trend in Delhi, showing that the proportion of non-smokers among lung cancer patients had dramatically increased over three decades.

The primary suspect for this change is the environment we live in. Air pollution is a clear and present danger. The air in our city often contains high levels of PM2.5 particles, which are tiny toxins that can nestle deep in the lungs and cause cellular damage over time. Long-term exposure to this level of pollution can significantly increase the risk of developing lung cancer, even if you have never smoked a single cigarette.

This One Lifestyle Factor Is Quietly Increasing Your Risk

Your personal risk is a combination of your environment, your genetics, and your lifestyle. Here in Delhi and Gurgaon, the unique risk factors I discuss with my patients include:

• Active and Passive Smoking: This remains a primary cause. India is home to nearly 100 million adult smokers, and exposure to tobacco in any form is a major risk factor.
• Radon Inhalation: This is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors. It is a significant, often overlooked, risk factor for lung cancer in India. Ensuring your home and workspace are well-ventilated is a simple but important preventive measure.
• Occupational Exposure: Your work environment can play a role, especially if you are exposed to substances like asbestos or diesel exhaust.
• Family History: If a close relative has had lung cancer, your own risk may be elevated, suggesting a potential genetic link.

Question 3: What Happens Next? The Diagnostic Journey Explained

Once an initial scan shows a potential issue in your lungs, my first priority is to establish a precise and definitive diagnosis. This is a meticulous process because every detail we gather helps my team and me build the most effective and personalized treatment plan for you.

Here is the typical diagnostic path I guide my patients through:

1. Advanced Imaging: We will almost certainly need more detailed scans. A PET-CT scan is an invaluable tool that helps us see not just the primary tumour, but also whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This is essential for accurate staging.  
2. Getting a Tissue Sample (Biopsy): This is the crucial step to confirm a cancer diagnosis. I use minimally invasive techniques to retrieve a small tissue sample for the pathologist to examine. These methods are designed to be as comfortable for the patient as possible and include:
   • Bronchoscopy: I guide a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the airways to view the lungs and take a sample.  
   • Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): This is a "keyhole" procedure where I make tiny incisions in the chest to put a camera and instruments to obtain a high-quality biopsy.  
   • Mediastinoscopy: This procedure allows me to examine and biopsy the lymph nodes between the lungs, which is vital for staging.  
3. Molecular Testing: This is where modern cancer care truly shines. We test the biopsy tissue for specific genetic markers. This information is critical because it tells us if you are a candidate for targeted therapies—powerful drugs that can attack the cancer's specific vulnerabilities.

Question 4: What Are My Treatment Options in Delhi & Gurgaon?

Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for you. It will depend on the exact type and stage of your cancer, as well as your overall health. At my centre, we provide a full spectrum of the most advanced treatments available today.

The Modern Revolution: Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery

For early-stage lung cancer, surgery offers the best chance for a complete cure. I have dedicated my career to mastering minimally invasive techniques, moving away from the large, open-chest surgeries of the past. My goal is to achieve the best possible cancer outcome with the least possible impact on your body.

• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): I perform the vast majority of my lung cancer surgeries using this "keyhole" technique. Through a few small incisions, I use a high-definition camera and specialized instruments to remove the cancerous portion of the lung (a lobectomy). The benefits for my patients are immense: significantly less pain, minimal scarring, and a much faster return to normal life.  
• Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS): As a Da Vinci-certified robotic surgeon, I use this state-of-the-art technology for the most complex cases. From a console in the operating room, I control robotic arms that have a range of motion and precision beyond what is humanly possible. This allows me to perform intricate dissections around delicate nerves and blood vessels, preserving function and ensuring a complete cancer removal.  

Beyond Surgery: A Multi-Pronged Attack

Surgery is often one part of a larger, comprehensive plan. My team and I work together to integrate other powerful therapies when needed:

• Chemotherapy: These drugs are operated to kill cancer cells and are often given before surgery to shrink a tumour or after to eliminate any residual cells.
• Radiation Therapy: This uses focused, high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in a specific area.
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: These are the frontiers of modern oncology. Targeted drugs attack the cancer's specific genetic weaknesses, while immunotherapy unleashes your own immune system to fight the disease.

Question 5: How Do I Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital?

This is perhaps the most critical decision you will make. In a large city like Delhi, the number of options can be overwhelming. My advice is to focus on objective markers of expertise and a philosophy of care that puts you first.

Why a Specialist Thoracic Onco-Surgeon is Non-Negotiable

Treating lung cancer is a highly specialized field. You need a surgeon who focuses exclusively on cancers within the chest—a Thoracic Surgical Oncologist.

When you are evaluating a surgeon, I encourage you to look for these credentials, as they are a true measure of deep expertise:

• Training from Premier Institutions: A surgeon's training matters immensely. I was fortunate to complete my surgical oncology training at AIIMS, New Delhi, followed by a two-year super-specialty fellowship in Thoracic Surgery at the renowned Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. This rigorous training prepared me to handle the most complex thoracic cancer cases using the most advanced techniques.  
• Robotic Surgery Expertise: Look for a surgeon who is certified and experienced in robotic surgery. This indicates a commitment to using the latest, most precise technology for patient benefit.  
• Experience: A surgeon's case volume is a direct reflection of their experience. Over my career, I have performed thousands of major thoracic procedures, including over a thousand surgeries for lung cancer alone.  

The Power of a Multidisciplinary Team

The best cancer care is never the work of one person. It is a team effort. At my centre, every patient's case is discussed by a multidisciplinary board of experts. This includes my surgical team, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and pathologists. This collaborative approach confirms that your treatment plan is holistic, well-rounded, and considers every possible advantage for your care. My clinical team, including dedicated patient coordinators like Shabana, is here to support you at every step.  

Question 6: What Will This Cost? A Realistic Look at Lung Cancer Treatment Expenses

The financial aspect of treatment is a very real and valid concern for every family. It is important to have a transparent conversation about costs with the hospital's administrative team. The total expense can vary significantly based on the stage of your cancer and the specific combination of treatments you require.

To give you a general idea, here is a realistic breakdown of potential costs for lung cancer treatment in the Delhi and Gurgaon region.

 

Treatment Component	Estimated Cost Range in Delhi (INR)	Estimated Cost Range in Gurgaon (INR)	Notes
Pre-Surgery Diagnostics	₹45,000 - ₹55,000	₹1,00,000 - ₹2,50,000	Includes PET-CT, biopsies, blood tests.
Surgery (Overall)	₹1,05,000 - ₹26,25,000	₹1,00,000 - ₹25,00,000	This is a broad range covering different types of procedures.
Minimally Invasive/Robotic Surgery	₹4,50,000 - ₹5,50,000	₹3,50,000 - ₹4,00,000	Robotic surgery may have a higher initial cost but can be offset by a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
Chemotherapy (per cycle)	₹40,000 - ₹75,000	₹40,000 - ₹75,000	Multiple cycles are often necessary.
Radiation Therapy (full course)	₹2,50,000 - ₹4,13,000	₹2,50,000 - ₹4,13,000
Targeted/Immunotherapy (per cycle)	₹70,000 - ₹2,00,000+	₹70,000 - ₹2,00,000+	These advanced drugs can be costly and may be needed long-term.

 

Disclaimer: These are estimates based on available 2024 data and can vary. I always ensure my patients receive a detailed and transparent quote before beginning treatment.

Question 7: Where Can I Find Support? Connecting with Others on This Journey

I always tell my patients that they do not have to walk this path alone. The emotional and mental cost of a cancer diagnosis is immense, and connecting with others who really understand can be a powerful source of strength.

Several wonderful organizations in our region offer free support services for patients and their families:

• Cancer Sahyog (Indian Cancer Society - Delhi Branch): This incredible group was founded in 1991, and all its volunteers are cancer survivors or have had a close personal experience with cancer. They provide emotional support and practical tips, acting as "fellow travelers" on your journey. They are present in many leading hospitals across Delhi/NCR.
• Lung Connect India: This is the country's premier support network specifically for lung cancer. They are dedicated to education, advocacy, and creating a community where you can connect, share, and find hope. Their digital reach is extensive, providing a lifeline of support.
• Ugam (Indian Cancer Society): This is a support group formed by childhood cancer survivors. Their stories offer a unique and powerful message of resilience and hope.

These groups provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share your fears and find strength. Volunteers never give medical advice but offer the invaluable gift of shared experience and hope.

Staying Updated: Keeping This Guide Fresh

The field of oncology is advancing at a rapid pace. New treatments and approaches are constantly being developed. I suggest you bookmark this page and check back periodically for updates to ensure you always have the most current information.

The Final Takeaway: You Are Not a Statistic

Receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer in Delhi or Gurgaon can feel like your world has been turned upside down. But from my years of experience, I want to assure you that with the right information and the right team, you can move from a place of fear to a position of strength.

Focus on what you can control:

1. Act Quickly: Do not delay. Early and accurate diagnosis is your most powerful advantage.
2. Seek Expert Care: Find a specialist thoracic onco-surgeon and a hospital that provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach.
3. Ask Questions: Be your own best advocate. I want my patients to be active participants in their care. Understand your diagnosis, your treatment alternatives, and the plan ahead.
4. Build Your Support System: Lean on your family, your friends, and the wonderful support groups available to you.

Your journey toward healing begins now. Take that first step. Schedule a consultation, get a second opinion if you need one, and begin the process of taking back control.