Air Pollution is the Main Contributor to Lung Cancer

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Highlights:

• Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths
• Along with smoking, environmental contaminants like arsenic, chromium, nickel, asbestos, and dioxins are the primary causes of lung cancer in India
• Lung cancer screening programs can improve awareness and help to reduce the prevalence of lung cancer in the country

Air pollution is responsible for most cases of lung cancer in India. It is a serious health problem that affects billions of people worldwide, especially in developing nations like India. It is the main factor contributing to the nation's increase in lung cancer cases.

Causes of Air pollution

India is home to 63 of the world's 100 most polluted locations. Cigarette smoking and industrial pollution are the other two main causes of lung cancer.

‘In India, lung cancer cases are increasing. Lung cancer is largely brought on by air pollution, which affects both smokers and non-smokers.’

The meeting revealed a lot of things, one of which was the fact that lung cancer ranks among the top causes of cancer-related fatalities in India. When presenting the data at a lung cancer conference arranged by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), it was revealed that lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the main cause of cancer-related fatalities, according to a study done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Lung cancer accounts for 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in India.

Lung Cancer in India

Regardless of age or gender, India has roughly 70,275 lung cancer cases. It indicates that 6.9% of the nation's 1,00,000 Indians are affected. As of 2020, there were approximately 2.20 million new cases worldwide, accounting for 11.4% of all thoracic tumor cases, and 1.79 million fatalities (18% of all cancer deaths). These figures are projected to double by 2025.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms can include a chronic cough that gradually gets worse, chest pain that worsens with coughing, blood in the sputum while coughing, hoarseness in the voice, gasping for air, weakness and exhaustion, unexplained weight loss, and a decrease in appetite, among others.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatment faces several difficulties, including concerns with prompt diagnosis, getting samples using different techniques, and financial constraints. Despite the availability of free diagnostic and treatment services, there is a sizable delay in the start of therapy and a sizable percentage of non-initiation and discontinuation of treatment.

While there are cancer detection and treatment options available to us today and they are getting better every day, Dr. Naresh Panchal, Additional DDG, Dte. GHS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, said that we must move toward putting the adage that prevention is better than cure into practice.

Dr. D. S. Rana, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM Wellness Council and Chairperson of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, gave the opening remarks at the ASSOCHAM conference on �Lung Cancer- Awareness, Prevention, Challenges and Treatment,' highlighting how the emphasis has shifted to non-communicable diseases as a result of COVID-19 and highlighting the primary cause of lung cancer.

Air Pollution can Cause Lung Cancer

Lung cancer and air pollution are two under-recognized health issues. A close connection exists between the two. Dr. Sudhir Kalhan, M.S. Chairman, National Council for Healthcare, ASSOCHAM & Chairman Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, described the statistics as alarming and concerning.

The operationalization of seven cutting-edge cancer hospitals in Assam was announced by Dr. Dipjyoti Das, Head of Medical Operations and Planning at Assam Cancer Care Foundation. He lauded government programs like PMJAY and AAA that have made it possible for the needy to receive affordable cancer care, saying that the �Distributed Cancer Care Model' of the ACCF has been able to bring cancer care to the most remote areas of the state.

Leading Cause of Cancer-Related Deaths

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, according to Dr. V. Srinivasan, Director (FAC), Govt. Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Karapettai, Kanchipuram. Lung cancer is becoming more common in India, affecting both smokers and non-smokers. Along with smoking being the primary cause, environmental contaminants such as arsenic, chromium, nickel, asbestos, and dioxins need to be addressed.

Preventive Measures for Lung Cancer

A national screening program must be implemented. It is necessary to effectively implement preventive laws like the COPTA, Air pollution, and Environment Protection Act. Public-private partnerships may be planned to create programs and facilities for detecting, diagnosing, and treating lung cancer. These facilities may include cutting-edge radiation therapy technology and molecular labs. Lung cancer can be prevented and treated. Preliminary findings from an AI study in cancer management being worked on by the Navya Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital in Kanchipuram are promising.

Lowering the Risk of Lung Cancer

Avoiding lung cancer is directly dependent on its risk factors, which include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise, in addition to other issues, according to Dr. Upasana Arora, Co-Chair of the ASSOCHAM Healthcare Council and Chairperson of Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital.

One should increase protective factors by giving up smoking and engaging in physical activity for the body and even the lungs. A nutritious diet will be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. Physically active people have a lower risk of lung cancer than those who are not.

Ms. Neelima Dwivedi, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Market Access said, "Globally, MSD Pharmaceuticals is focused upon building community partnerships and addressing barriers to care. In India, MSD is working with public health organizations to help develop and implement an evidence-based, informed, innovative program that advances high-quality, equitably priced cancer care at the state level."

Survival in Lung Cancer

Recent developments in lung cancer therapies, particularly immunotherapies, have the potential to benefit patients' long term and improve their chances of surviving the disease. According to Dr. Rohit Ghatule, MSD India's Country Medical Director, there is good hope for patients with lung cancer.

Beyond tobacco use, air pollution has become a significant risk factor for many other malignancies, including lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is approved for high-risk patients and is lifesaving.

Screening of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer screening adoption is extremely low despite ongoing efforts, which highlights the need for public awareness. According to Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, more needs to be done to make lung cancer treatment accessible and affordable to reduce disparities and inequality in access to care and outcomes.

Source: Medindia

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