Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer, with 2.5 million people diagnosed worldwide in 2022. While smoking remains the leading cause, a new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine reveals that air pollution is driving an increase in lung cancer among non-smokers, particularly among women and people in Southeast Asia.
A Shift in Lung Cancer Patterns
Lung cancer has traditionally been associated with smoking, but as smoking rates decline in many countries, the proportion of lung cancer cases among non-smokers is growing. Researchers found that adenocarcinoma, a key subtype of lung cancer, is now the most common form of the disease in 185 countries, especially among women.
The study highlights that:
- Adenocarcinoma now accounts for 53-70% of lung cancer cases among people who have never smoked.
- From 2020 to 2022, cases of adenocarcinoma increased among both men and women, with women being the most affected.
- Lung cancer in non-smokers is now estimated to be the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
How Air Pollution Contributes to Lung Cancer
The study suggests that air pollution is a major factor behind the rise in adenocarcinoma cases among non-smokers. Polluted air contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and other harmful pollutants that can damage lung cells over time, increasing the risk of cancer.
The highest levels of air pollution-linked lung cancer were found in East Asia, particularly China. The researchers also pointed to indoor air pollution from burning solid fuels for heating and cooking as a potential cause of lung cancer among Chinese women non-smokers.
The Global Impact
The study, based on data from global health organizations, underscores a major public health concern:
- Air pollution is not just an environmental issue but a growing health crisis.
- Women and non-smokers are increasingly at risk, particularly in areas with high pollution levels.
- More research is needed to understand how air pollution leads to lung cancer and how to reduce exposure.
What Can Be Done?
To reduce the risk of lung cancer from air pollution, experts recommend:
- Stronger air quality regulations to lower pollution levels.
- Reducing reliance on solid fuels for cooking and heating, especially in developing countries.
- Promoting clean energy alternatives to minimize indoor air pollution.
- Increasing awareness that lung cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease.
This study reinforces the urgent need for global action on air pollution to protect public health, especially for those who have never smoked but are still at risk of developing lung cancer.
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The research findings can be found in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
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