India is recognized as one of the countries with the highest levels of air pollution globally, raising significant concerns regarding air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as an indicator of air pollution levels, and India has faced persistent challenges with elevated AQI readings over the years. Recent studies have underscored the role of air pollution as a contributing factor to the rising incidence of lung cancer cases worldwide. This research was published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal on World Cancer Day 2025.

The fifth highest cause of cancer deaths worldwide

Lung cancer has emerged as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The World Health Organization’s cancer agency has reported an increasing number of lung cancer diagnoses among individuals who have never smoked, attributing air pollution as a significant factor. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung cancer in non-smokers is now estimated to rank fifth in cancer mortality worldwide, as detailed in a study published in The Lancet.

The IARC study indicates that lung cancer among never-smokers predominantly manifests as adenocarcinoma, which has become the most prevalent subtype of the disease across both genders globally. In 2022, approximately 200,000 cases of adenocarcinoma were linked to air pollution exposure.

More details

Further insights reveal that lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality on a global scale, as reported by the IARC. In 2022, around 2.5 million individuals received a lung cancer diagnosis. However, the distribution of lung cancer subtypes has shifted significantly in recent decades. Among the four primary subtypes of lung cancer—adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small-cell carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma—adenocarcinoma has emerged as the most common subtype in both men and women, according to the findings of the IARC.

How lung cancer patients should take care

If you have concerns regarding your risk of lung cancer or a family history of the condition, it is advisable to discuss the most appropriate actions with your healthcare provider.

It is imperative for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer to recognize the risks associated with air pollution and to implement strategies to reduce their exposure. In a 2024 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Ravikumar Wategaonkar, a consultant medical oncologist at Onco Life Cancer Center in Satara and Pune, provided insights on how lung cancer patients can safeguard their health in the face of air pollution.

He recommended the following measures for lung cancer patients:

1. A significant precaution for lung cancer patients is to remain indoors during times of peak pollution, which generally occur in the early morning and late evening when pollutant levels are at their highest. Engaging in indoor activities such as reading, listening to music, or practising relaxation techniques can help occupy time while minimizing exposure. If it is necessary to go outside, wearing a mask is essential. Furthermore, utilizing air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors can effectively eliminate harmful particles from the air.

2. Another critical component of managing air pollution for lung cancer patients is to ensure high indoor air quality. This involves regular upkeep of heating and cooling systems and keeping windows shut on days with elevated pollution levels.

3. Adopting a healthy lifestyle by consuming nutrient-dense foods and maintaining physical activity can improve overall health and bolster resilience against environmental stressors such as air pollution.

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