Air Pollution Linked to Rising Lung Cancer Cases Among Non-Smokers

Reported by Kokcha News Agency

Recent studies have uncovered that air pollution could be a major contributor to the rising cases of lung cancer among non-smokers. According to a report in DailyMail, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stricter measures to combat air pollution, which is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths annually. The new findings highlight the urgency of these calls.

A study conducted by U.S. scientists analyzed genetic data from 871 lung cancer patients across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia who had never smoked. The results showed that individuals living in polluted areas had significantly higher mutation rates in cancer-causing genes like TP53.

PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers, are too tiny to be filtered by the nose and lungs, allowing them to easily enter the body. Researchers emphasize that these particles can enter the bloodstream, leading not only to lung cancer but also to other health issues such as heart disease. Additionally, individuals exposed to high levels of air pollution were found to have shorter telomeres, protective DNA strips associated with aging, indicating that polluted air accelerates cell renewal and increases DNA damage.

Prof. Dr. Ludmil Alexandrov stated, “The rate of lung cancer in non-smokers is increasing, but the reason behind this trend has long been unknown. Our research shows a strong link between air pollution and this type of cancer.” Dr. Maria Teresa Landi added, “This is a growing global public health crisis. Previous studies have not sufficiently separated data on non-smokers, leading to their risks being overlooked. This situation points to a global problem that requires urgent intervention.”

Although smoking remains the leading risk factor for lung cancer, it is estimated that around 6,000 non-smokers die from the disease each year. Research shows that lung cancer cases among non-smokers doubled between 2008 and 2014.

The study, published in Nature, highlighted that rising PM2.5 levels could lead to increased genetic damage and cell division. A recent meta-analysis also found that exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of lung cancer by 8% and the risk of death from the disease by 11%.

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the UK, around 50,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, while in the U.S., the number is approximately 230,000. Due to late diagnosis and delayed treatment, less than 10% of patients survive for five years or longer.

The research also revealed a notable gender disparity, with lung cancer diagnoses being more common among women aged 35-54 compared to men in the same age group.