Environmental and lifestyle factors lead to early onset of lung cancer. In India, lung cancer typically manifests about a decade earlier than in Western countries.

The intersection of climate change and lung cancer in Asia presents an urgent and complex public health challenge that demands urgent action. As climate change continues to amplify the burden of lung cancer, proactive measures are crucial. An insightful article published in The Lancet shines light on how the lung cancer burden in Asia has distinct characteristics as compared to the West, thereby calling for tailored strategies and dedicated actions. 

First Check shares five key insights from the comprehensive article: 

Here are 7 important facts about protein deficiency:

• 1. 1. Environmental and lifestyle factors lead to an earlier onset of lung cancer. Significant contributors include elevated levels of air pollution, such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. In India, lung cancer typically manifests about a decade earlier than in Western countries. The majority of cases are diagnosed between the ages of 54 and 70, highlighting an important age-related difference. 
     2. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as cyclones, typhoons, and floods are increasing in Asia, disrupting healthcare facilities and access to treatments. In 2022, major flooding events in India and Pakistan underscored how natural disasters can severely hinder cancer care by damaging infrastructure and delaying treatments. Disasters also contribute to significant mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can further delay cancer detection and treatment.
     3. Many Asian countries, particularly low and middle-income countries, face healthcare infrastructure disparities, which are worsened by climate change. These disparities lead to limited access to comprehensive cancer care, emphasising the need for robust adaptation and mitigation strategies. 
     4. Effective lung cancer screening programmes using Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) are critical, but under-utilised due to resource constraints and prioritisation of other public health issues. The overlap of lung cancer symptoms with those of other prevalent diseases, such as tuberculosis, further complicates early detection efforts. 
     5. Addressing the interplay between climate change and lung cancer care requires urgent, collaborative, and multidisciplinary efforts. There is a pressing need for improved public education, stronger diagnostic capacity, and robust healthcare system that can ensure uninterrupted care amid climate-related challenges.

Climate change poses an increasing threat not only to local populations, but also to global health. The Lancet article serves as a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change on health are far-reaching, making it imperative for all stakeholders to take prompt, decisive action to safeguard the future health of populations worldwide.

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