Lung cancer continues to claim over 2 million lives annually, despite a declining global smoking rate. A new study highlights a worrying trend: the rise of lung cancer cases among people who have never smoked. International researchers attribute this increase to rising pollution levels and damage to health, particularly in east Asia.
According to data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) survey of 2022 and other registers of cancer incidence between 1988 and 2017, adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer worldwide. While smoking remains a significant cause, it’s not the primary type among smokers. Notably, adenocarcinoma is the most common type in non-smokers.
The study found that air pollution is a contributing factor to the rising cases of lung cancer in non-smokers, particularly in east Asia and China, where air quality is severely affected. This shift towards a more environmental cause emphasizes the need for global efforts to combat tobacco and air pollution.
As scientists continue to gather data on lung cancer trends, this research provides valuable insights into developing strategies to tackle the increasing risk of lung cancer, especially among vulnerable populations. The study’s findings were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/lung-cancer-is-rising-in-non-smokers-and-this-could-be-why