Pollution & Lung Cancer Risk: A Growing Concern for Health

Over the past 40 years, epidemiologic research has repeatedly suggested that elevated incidence of lung cancer may be caused by general ambient air pollution, primarily from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Lung cancer trends, occupational group studies, urban-rural population comparisons and case-control and cohort studies employ various exposure measures. According to recent prospective cohort studies, exposure to respirable particles has been linked to an increase in lung cancer rates of 30 to 50%. Despite considerable success in lowering air pollution, many are exposed to pollutant combinations that contain known or suspected carcinogens, even though these statistics show the impact of exposures. 

Overview

The number of people who are exposed to levels of fine respirable particles linked to lung cancer in recent epidemiologic research is unknown. Based mostly on the findings of animal research, the most frequently cited estimates of the proportionate contribution of air pollution to the incidence of lung cancer. More epidemiologic research must be done to enable more accurate estimations of the general population’s risk of developing lung cancer due to air pollution. 

Our ability to precisely quantify the amount of excess cancer linked to air pollution may be enhanced by the creation and use of new epidemiologic techniques, especially the better characterisation of population-wide exposure to air pollutant mixtures and the better design of ecologic studies. If you are searching for a lung cancer specialist near me, thoroughly review the specialist by referring to patient testimonials and hospital affiliations along with years of experience. 

Air pollution and lung cancer

According to the World Health Organisation, 99% of people worldwide breathe poor air, making air pollution a serious and widespread hazard to public health. The dangers of smoking tobacco are comparable to those of air pollution. Indeed, among other health problems, exposure to air pollution can cause cancer, stroke and respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. 

By contributing to the increase in the number of preventable cancer diagnoses each year, air pollution is jeopardising the progress being made in lowering the global cancer burden. A healthier diet, more physical activity and a lower incidence of other non-communicable diseases and co-morbidities are just a few of the health benefits that come with reducing air pollution, which also lowers the risk of developing other cancers. 

Sources of air pollution 

Various factors act as sources of air pollution, resulting in lung cancer. Some of the major sources include:

• Vehicle emissions
• Industrial discharges
• Biomass burning
• Indoor pollutants from cooking fuels
• Second-hand smoke 

Lung cancer causes

Additionally, studies show that oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and DNA damage caused by air pollution are all factors that contribute to lung cancer. Cancer specialities think that long-term exposure to harmful air weakens lung tissue, making it easier for cancer to spread.

Key mechanisms of pollution-included lung cancer:

• DNA damage: Inhaled carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde disrupt the body’s intrinsic repair processes, causing mutations in lung cells. 
• Chronic inflammation: Prolonged exposure to pollutants creates a chronic inflammatory environment that supports the growth of cancer cells. 
• Oxidative stress: Pollutants produce free radicles that damage cells and may contribute to or promote the development of cancerous cells from normal cells. 

Symptoms of lung cancer

The majority of the time, lung cancer is asymptomatic, though it might show signs in its later stages. Early diagnosis and treatment at the cancer hospital are made possible by the identification of early indicators.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Breathlessness
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue 

Lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer treatment mainly aims to get rid of cancer and slow down the growth of cancer cells. It removes cancerous cells, helps destroy them and keeps them from multiplying. Some treatments are also used to reduce and manage symptoms of lung cancer. Some of the treatments are as follows:

• Chemotherapy: It uses drugs that kill or delay the growth of cancerous cells. These are given intravenously or orally. 
• Radiofrequency ablation: It uses high-energy radio waves to destroy and kill cancerous cells.
• Targeted therapy: It destroys only the cancerous cells without harming healthy cells in the process. 
• Immune therapy: This therapy increases the strength of the immune system to fight against cancer. 

What can be done?

• Prioritise the reduction of air pollution in urban areas
• Promote active transport
• Reduce vehicle emissions
• Transition to cleaner energy sources
• Address indoor air pollution, particularly in households that rely on solid fuels for cooking and heating
• Develop national air quality standards and regulations
• Establish air quality monitoring systems to track progress towards meeting these standards

Results

As smoking has declined and air pollution has increased, the projected number of deaths from lung cancer that can be attributed to this disease has climbed by over 30%. Outdoor air pollution and particulate matter with an aerodynamic width of less than 2.5 microns were designated as carcinogenic to humans and a cause of lung cancer. Air pollution is not included in the lung cancer risk models that have been analysed. Accurately gathering long-term exposure to ambient air pollution for integration into risk prediction models in clinical practice is extremely difficult due to the complexity of estimating cumulative exposure to air pollution. 

Conclusion

To conclude, there is no denying the unmistakable connection between air pollution and lung cancer. Air pollution is a major factor in the rise in lung cancer cases worldwide as urbanisation and industrialisation continue to expand. The best course of action is prevention, even though recent advancements have made it easier to treat and cure cancer. Leading hospitals such as Fortis, the best hospital in India, offer cutting-edge treatments and care for those battling lung cancer. Government programs, environmental protection regulations, and personal safety measures must all be used to enhance air quality in order to reduce the risk of lung cancer and other diseases linked to pollution. The goal is to improve air quality to save lives and the environment. Reducing air pollution can eventually result in a healthier, more sustainable world by lowering the incidence of lung cancer.