Lung cancer cases among people who’ve never smoked are on the rise worldwide, according to new research. The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that air pollution is a growing factor in this trend.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, reports that lung cancer in non-smokers now accounts for the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer affecting mucus-producing glands, is responsible for most cases among never-smokers.
A recent study found that air pollution was linked to 200,000 adenocarcinoma cases in 2022, with the largest burden seen in east Asia, particularly China. The study’s lead author suggests that declining smoking rates are contributing to the increase in lung cancer cases among non-smokers.
Exposure to fuels burning in households for heating and cooking may also be a factor in rising lung cancer cases among Chinese women who have never smoked. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with 2.5 million people diagnosed in 2022. The disease is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ due to its lack of obvious symptoms in early stages.
The NHS is rolling out more tests for smokers and ex-smokers at high risk of lung cancer to catch it earlier. However, smoking remains the number one risk factor for the disease, accounting for 70% of cases.
Source: https://www.the-sun.com/health/13449969/lung-cancer-non-smoker-increase