While smoking rates are on the decline worldwide, lung cancer continues to cause nearly 2 million deaths annually. A new international study highlights a disturbing trend: the rise of lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked. The researchers suggest that increasing levels of air pollution could be a significant factor in this uptick. East Asia, in particular, experiences severe pollution.
According to the study, adenocarcinoma – a type of lung cancer that originates in glandular cells – is the most prevalent form of lung cancer globally. It accounts for 45.6% of cases in men and 59.7% in women. While smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma is actually the most common type among non-smokers.
Interestingly, adenocarcinoma is not the top cancer type in smokers. Yet, it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. This has become a growing concern.
RISING LUNG CANCER CASES AMONG NON-SMOKERS
The researchers found that as smoking rates decrease, the proportion of lungcancer cases among non-smokers is increasing. Lung cancer in people who have never smoked is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It has a higher prevalence in women and Asian populations.
“Notably, lung cancer in people who have never smoked is estimated to be the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,” the study notes. This rise in cases is particularly alarming. It affects populations that are not directly linked to traditional risk factors. Such factors include tobacco use.
THE ROLE OF AIR POLLUTION
The research team links this troubling rise in non-smokers’ lungcancer cases to increasing levels of air pollution. This issue is particularly prominent in East Asia. Countries like China, with some of the worst air quality in the world, are seeing a significant spike in lungcancer cases, especially adenocarcinoma.
Previous studies have already pointed to a connection between air pollution and adenocarcinoma, and this study reinforces that theory. As air quality deteriorates globally, lungcancer, once predominantly linked to smoking, is now also associated with environmental factors.
A DUAL THREAT: COMBATING SMOKING AND AIR POLLUTION
While efforts to reduce smoking remain crucial, the rise in lungcancer among non-smokers requires urgent attention. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing both tobacco and air pollution to curb the global burden of lungcancer.
“Our findings provide insight for those seeking to develop strategies to control tobacco and air pollution. These strategies should be adapted to populations with high rates of lungcancer incidence. They should also consider increasing generational risks,” the study concludes.
THE WAY FORWARD
Ongoing research and data collection will be key to understanding the complex relationship between air pollution and lungcancer. As the world continues to combat smoking, it must also focus on reducing air pollution to protect future generations from the rising tide of lungcancer cases in non-smokers.
