A new study published on World Cancer Day suggests that air pollution may be contributing to the growing number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers globally. According to The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, accounts for 53-70% of cases in non-smokers worldwide.
Researchers analyzed data from the Global Cancer Observatory and other sources, categorizing lung cancer cases into four subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small-and-large-cell carcinoma. The study found that adenocarcinoma is only weakly linked to cigarette smoking, making air pollution a potential culprit.
The researchers noted that as smoking rates decline worldwide, the proportion of lung cancer cases among non-smokers has increased. In fact, 80,378 cases of lung cancer in women were linked to particulate matter (PM) pollution.
Experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization led the study. Freddie Bray, lead author of the research, stated that the findings offer insights into developing strategies to prevent tobacco and air pollution-related cancers.
The study also highlights that lung cancer in non-smokers is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with most cases occurring in women and Asian populations. As nearly half of the global population lives in areas with poor air quality levels below WHO standards, this research underscores the urgent need for action to address air pollution and its impact on public health.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lung-cancer-cases-among-non-smokers-increases-air-pollution-could-be-the-cause-report-101738637296199.html