India is on the brink of a significant public health challenge with lung cancer cases projected to rise sharply by 2030, according to a national study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research and conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This alarming trend indicates a projected increase in overall cancer incidence by 12.8% between 2020 and 2025. The study highlights a concerning shift in the disease's demographic, with women experiencing the fastest increase in incidence, climbing by up to 6.7% annually in some regions. While tobacco use remains a major factor, particularly in regions like the North-East which is expected to be the worst-affected, doctors are observing a significant rise in lung cancer among non-smokers. This surge in non-smokers is strongly linked to environmental factors such as outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution from biomass fuel use, second-hand smoke, and occupational exposure. Adenocarcinoma, a subtype of lung cancer often associated with environmental and genetic factors rather than smoking, has replaced smoking-linked squamous-cell carcinoma as the dominant subtype in many areas, including Bengaluru and Delhi. Experts emphasize the critical need for increased public awareness regarding symptoms, early detection, and the diverse risk factors beyond smoking. The projections necessitate urgent interventions in public health policies, pollution control, and targeted screening programs to mitigate the impending burden on India's healthcare system.