Air Pollution Leads to Increased Lung Cancer Rates in Non-Smokers, Women Most Affected – Report

A significant study has uncovered a concerning connection between air pollution and the rising rates of lung cancer among non-smokers, particularly affecting women and communities in Southeast Asia.

The research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine on World Cancer Day, on Tuesday highlights the shifting dynamics of one of the world’s deadliest illnesses.

The study reports that lung cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer worldwide, with 2.5 million new cases documented in 2022. Although most patients were men, almost one million cases were diagnosed in women, a number that is still increasing.

“Air pollution can be considered an important factor that partly explains the emerging predominance of adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 53–70 per cent of cases of lung cancer among people who have never smoked worldwide,” the researchers stated.

The study revealed that adenocarcinoma, the type of lung cancer most commonly associated with air pollution, increased among both genders from 2020 to 2022. Notably, women represented the largest share, with almost sixty percent of cases attributed to this particular cancer.

The results further highlight the impact of lifestyle and environmental influences on cancer statistics. The researchers noted, “As the rate of smoking decreases in numerous countries around the globe, the percentage of lung cancer cases among individuals who have never smoked has risen.”

They also pointed out that lung cancer in non-smokers is currently regarded as the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, especially among women and in Asian communities.

The study indicated that East Asia, particularly China, is a major area of concern for adenocarcinoma associated with air pollution. The researchers noted that “using solid fuels for heating and cooking in homes could contribute to lung cancer,” emphasizing how these traditional practices heighten health risks for many women in China.

The research, utilizing information from organizations like the World Health Organization, highlights the serious health effects of air pollution, emphasizing that it can impact even non-smokers.

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