‘More female non-smokers showing signs of lung cancer’ | India News – Times of India

Dr. Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra, Dean (Academic), Professor of Pulmonary Medicine and Intensive Care at AIIMS Bhubaneswarspeaks to TOI about the risk factors by lung cancer
Is there a link between pollution and lung cancer?
The link between pollution and lung cancer is well established, especially when it comes to outdoor air. air pollution and exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful pollutants. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), small particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, and long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. PM2.5 is mainly produced by vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants, and home heating. Even long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas produced by burning fuel, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer because it contributes to airway inflammation and can worsen pre-existing lung conditions. Others include ground-level ozone, industrial emissions such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known carcinogens, chemical pollutants, indoor air pollution, especially from the burning of biomass fuels. People working in industries such as mining, construction and manufacturing that have high exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals are at increased risk of lung cancer due to long-term exposure to air pollutants.
Air pollution causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, which leads to cell damage, mutations and can cause cancer. Pollutants can directly damage DNA in lung cells, leading to mutations that cause uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Numerous studies have shown a clear link between exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of lung cancer. The WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified outdoor air pollution and particulate matter as carcinogenic to humans.
Do you see anything unusual in lung cancer these days?
In recent years, there have been some unusual and emerging trends in lung cancer incidence that deviate from the traditional patterns typically associated with the disease. A growing proportion of lung cancer cases are being diagnosed in people who have never smoked. This trend has been attributed in part to factors such as air pollution, radon exposure, and genetics. More and more patients are developing the disease at a younger age, which was not the case decades ago. While men traditionally had higher rates of lung cancer due to higher smoking rates, there has been a relative increase in lung cancer incidence in women, particularly non-smokers.
What is the status of lung cancer patients in AIIMS Bhubaneswar?
More than 2000 cases have been reported in Bhubaneswar. The numbers have been increasing in the last decade.
What steps can be taken to reduce the disease burden?
Reducing the burden of lung cancer requires a multifaceted approach that includes early detection, effective treatment, and supportive care. Implementing and promoting smoking cessation programs, including nicotine replacement therapy and medications, can help reduce the risk of lung cancer. Increasing taxes on tobacco products and enforcing strict regulations on advertising can help reduce tobacco use. We must reduce exposure to air pollution by enforcing air quality standards and reducing emissions from vehicles and industrial sources.