A recent study reveals that while deaths from lung and related cancers have decreased in the world’s 10 most populous countries between 1990 and 2019, major challenges remain. These challenges, linked to tobacco use, air pollution, and asbestos exposure, call for continued public health efforts and further research.
The findings, published in eClinicalMedicine, were based on data from the Global Burden of Disease database and led by researchers from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Over the 30-year period, there was an 8% overall decrease in deaths caused by tracheal, bronchial, and lung (TBL) cancers. Tobacco-related deaths declined slightly but still accounted for the majority of cases.
Meanwhile, deaths linked to air pollution and asbestos exposure have risen or remain troublingly high in certain regions.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Chinmay Jani, the study’s first author, stressed the need for global awareness of all TBL cancer risk factors.
While progress has been made, these findings underline the work still needed to reduce lung cancer deaths worldwide.
The study found that tobacco use remains the largest contributor to TBL cancer deaths, although its impact has slightly declined over the years. In 1990, 72% of lung cancer deaths were linked to smoking, compared to 66% in 2019.
Despite this decrease, countries like China and Indonesia continue to experience rising tobacco-related cancer deaths. Additionally, the mortality rate among women increased by 2%, highlighting the growing burden of tobacco-related cancers in specific populations.
While progress in reducing smoking-related deaths is evident, Dr. Jani noted that the fight against tobacco’s impact is far from over, urging ongoing public health campaigns and smoking cessation programs.
Air pollution has emerged as another major contributor to lung cancer deaths, accounting for nearly 20% of global TBL cancer mortality. Although overall air pollution-related deaths decreased during the study period, those tied to particulate matter (PM 2.5) increased by 11%.
In China, the rate of PM 2.5-related deaths was double the global average. Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, another study author, emphasized the need for stronger policies worldwide to combat the harmful effects of air pollution, calling it a global phenomenon requiring immediate action.
In countries like India, where burning solid waste is common, public awareness of air pollution risks remains low. Dr. Jani urged for greater education efforts to help people understand the dangers of poor air quality and its link to cancer.
Asbestos exposure continues to be a critical occupational risk factor for TBL cancers, even in countries where its use has been banned. In the United States, asbestos-related TBL cancer deaths are nearly double the global average.
This highlights the need for further investigation into how asbestos exposure continues to occur despite regulatory bans. Dr. Jani pointed out that understanding and eliminating lingering sources of asbestos exposure should remain a priority.
The study also underscores the importance of revising screening guidelines for lung cancer. Current guidelines focus heavily on tobacco use as a primary risk factor, but the rising number of cases in younger individuals, especially women with little or no smoking history, suggests that broader criteria may be needed.
Dr. Rodriguez noted that symptoms like persistent coughing in younger patients are often overlooked, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Expanding screening efforts could help catch more cases early, when they are most treatable.
The findings also emphasize the need for more research to better understand the mechanisms driving lung cancer. Investigating how risk factors like tobacco, pollution, and asbestos contribute to molecular changes in cancer cells could lead to more precise treatments tailored to individual patients.
Dr. Jani highlighted the potential for developing targeted therapies based on these risk factors, improving outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide.
In conclusion, while progress has been made in reducing lung cancer deaths, the study makes it clear that the battle is far from over. Tobacco remains a significant threat, air pollution is an escalating concern, and asbestos exposure persists despite regulatory measures.
Public health policies, improved awareness, better screening practices, and continued research are essential to further reduce the global burden of lung cancer. Only by addressing these interconnected factors can we hope to make meaningful strides in combating this leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
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The research findings can be found in eClinicalMedicine.
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