India, Aug. 1 -- Every year, August 1 is marked as the World Lung Cancer Day - a day to raise awareness about the challenges and solutions in tackling lung cancer, one of India's leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Timely diagnosis can dramatically improve chances of survival, but most cases in India are still detected late. Bronchoscopy is a simple and minimally invasive medical test that plays a crucial role in diagnosing lung cancer early. In this procedure, doctors gently insert a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth into the lungs. The device has a tiny camera and light, allowing doctors to see inside the airways and lungs. Most importantly, it can help collect small samples of tissue or fluid for lab testing - a key step in confirming if anyone has lung cancer or not. For people who have abnormal chest X-rays or symptoms like a persistent cough or blood in sputum, bronchoscopy helps find out quickly if there's a problem. Recent advances, like ultrasound-guided techniques, let doctors see and reach more areas inside the lungs, making diagnosis safer, faster, and more accurate, especially for tumours in hard-to-reach places. On World Lung Cancer Day 2025, it's important for all Indians to know that early detection, including tests like bronchoscopy, offers hope. If more people are aware and seek care early, more lives can be saved. Breaking the stigma, embracing screening, and supporting innovative diagnostics will help India tackle lung cancer head-on. The author of this article is an MBBS; DNB; DM pulmonary and critical care medicine (PGIMER Chandigarh); FCCP; consultant pulmonologist, Jindal Clinics, Centre for Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, SCO 21, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh...