Lung cancer cases in the non -smoking population has grown in recent years. A comparative study published in the magazine The Lancet Respiratory Medicine It suggests that this statistic is related to contamination by suspended particles (PM) in cities with high population density.
In 2022, 2,480,675 new cases of lung cancer were recorded in 185 countries, of which 194,864 were linked to air pollution. China is the region where more cases of cancer were presented in non -smokers related to PM. The research, carried out by international scientists, used data from the World Cancer Observatory (Globocan) and was based on the four main subtypes of lung cancer: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
He analysis He revealed an increase in the proportion of the disease in women. The data showed 1,572,045 cases in men and 908,630 in women. The proportion corresponds to 64 and 36% respectively. The balance was balanced slightly when considering only cases related to environmental pollution: the proportion in both sexes was modified to 59% in men (114,486 cases) and 41% in women (80,378 cases).
The predominant subtype of lung cancer also changed. Adenocarcinoma has surpassed squamous cell carcinoma in the number of cases around the world. The first subtype originates in glandular cells while the second affects the lung lining. Understanding the new trend of condition is essential to adapt large -scale treatments, experts affirm.
Tobacco consumption remains the main factor that increases the risk of appearance of harmful cells in lung tissue. However, with every year that passes, contaminated air exposure adds evidence in this regard. According to the most recent studies, fine particles PM2.5 and PM10 are the ones that most increase the risk of lung cancer. These are small enough to penetrate the bloodstream and have the potential to damage the cells.
“This research underlines the urgent need to develop public health strategies adapted to combat lung cancer. With tobacco control efforts showing effectiveness in reducing the rates of squamous carcinoma, now the attention must focus on environmental policies directed to Air pollution, “said Rafael Marcos-Mala, an epidemiologist in the Unit of Epidemiology and Cancer Registry of Girona of the Catalan Institute of Oncology-Plan, to the Science Media Center (SMC) Spain. “In addition, continuous surveillance of lung cancer trends in younger generations will be crucial for the formulation of effective prevention and treatment programs,” Marcos-Mragera added.
According to a recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society, the Millennials And generation X are more risk of developing some cell disease than their parents. Up to 17 of the 34 most common types of cancer are registering more frequently in the young population.
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