Lung cancer in non-smokers rises amid declining smoking rates: study

Lung adenocarcinoma, now the most common lung cancer type in non-smokers, is growing at alarming rates, particularly among younger women

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New Delhi: Despite a global decline in smoking rates, lung cancer cases among non-smokers—particularly women and Southeast Asian populations—are rising, a new study has found.

Lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the glands producing fluids like mucus, has emerged as the most common form of cancer in non-smokers, accounting for over half of the cases across 185 countries.

"Lung adenocarcinoma has emerged as the predominant subtype in recent years, with increasing risks observed among younger generations, particularly females, in most countries assessed," Dr Freddie Bray, Head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated in a press release

Impact of air pollution 

The study underlines the role of air pollution, particularly ambient particulate matter (PM), in exacerbating lung cancer rates. It was found that in 2022, approximately 114,000 cases of adenocarcinoma in men and 80,000 cases in women were linked to PM pollution. 

“This population-based study seeks to better understand variations in lung cancer incidence by place and time according to its constituent subtypes,” Dr Bray noted. “We examine changes in risk in different countries across successive generations and assess the potential burden of lung adenocarcinoma linked to ambient PM pollution.”

The largest burden of lung adenocarcinoma attributable to ambient PM pollution was estimated in East Asia, particularly China, the study revealed, pointing out that household burning of solid fuels for heating and cooking in this region plays a contributing role. 

Rising concerns for women 

While lung cancer rates have decreased among men in many countries over the past few decades, the trend is starkly different for women, where rates of lung cancer continue to rise. First Check has reported on how women have to stay closer to biomass, kerosene, and coal for cooking as compared to men. 

Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Department Of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Apollo Hospital in New Delhi told First Check that indoor air pollution, particularly from burning wood and coal for cooking or heating, can be often 4 to 5 times more dangerous than outdoor pollution.  

“Indoor pollution involves fine soot particles and gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which can cause severe health issues,” he told First Check.

 

Also read: Indoor air pollution: How slum dwellers breathe air more toxic than others - First Check

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