A global study has revealed an increase in lung cancer cases among non-smokers, with air pollution identified as a potential contributing factor.
Adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of lung cancer, has been found to dominate over other types, such as squamous cell and small cell carcinoma. Researchers suggest that this may be due to exposure to fine particulate matter from fossil fuel combustion and vehicle emissions, which are responsible for approximately one-third of the 600,000 annual adenocarcinoma cases.
According to the WHO, “99% of the world’s population lives in areas where air pollution levels exceed permissible standards,” with densely populated regions such as China showing particularly high risks. Women are disproportionately affected, especially those using solid fuels for cooking, which may contribute to cancer development.
Scientists propose that microscopic pollution particles induce DNA mutations in lung cells or initiate chronic inflammation, thereby promoting cancer growth. However, they acknowledge that reliance on national cancer registries may introduce limitations to the accuracy of their data.
Oncologists stress that lung cancer is no longer exclusively a “smoker’s disease,” as evidenced by a 130% rise in cases among women under 24 in the UK over recent decades. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and chest pain, highlighting the importance of early medical evaluation.
