Air pollution linked to rising lung cancer in non‑smokers
Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer for humans, and increasingly, non-smokers are being diagnosed. Scientists suggest that air pollution may be a contributing factor to this disease.
Research published in "The Lancet Respiratory Medicine" indicates that air pollution is a significant factor in the rise of lung cancer cases among non-smokers, according to the Lad Bible portal. The data demonstrate that lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Out of 1.2 million patients, 1.1 million were expected to die from the disease.
Traditionally, lung cancer was associated with smoking, but it is now increasingly affecting people who have never smoked.
Air pollution, especially in urban areas, is linked to the development of non-small cell lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma. It is estimated that in 2022, about 15 percent of cases were caused by air pollution. The increase is notably high among women and East Asian populations, such as China.
As the percentage of smokers continues to decline in many countries around the world, the incidence of cancer in people who have never smoked is rising, as reported by Lad Bible's citation of scientists.
Dr. Freddie Bray emphasizes the need for further research into the link between lung cancer and air pollution. "With declines in smoking prevalence – as seen in the UK and US – the proportion of lung cancers diagnosed among those who have never smoked tends to increase," he said in an interview with "The Guardian." WHO estimates that 99 percent of the world's population lives in places where air quality standards are not met.
The main symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough lasting longer than three weeks, shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue or weakness, and pain or discomfort while breathing or coughing.
