Hyderabad: The increasing air pollution with particulate matter 2.5 is one of the major causes for lung cancer besides smoking – both passive and active. Experts stated that pollution has become a major cause for the disease which was restricted to respiratory infections, chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and other lung infections earlier.
Dr Sandeep Nayar, a senior consultant for respiratory medicine, said, “Poor air quality affects the lungs badly as it has to filter the oxygen and supply it to other parts. This causes recurrent respiratory diseases. The toxic particles in the air affect the cells. Poor air quality is a defined factor for lung cancer.” The studies have shown how poor air quality trigger uncontrolled cell growth among those who are already hit with smoking, genetic characteristics and mutations.
Dr Latha Sharma, a consultant pulmonologist, noted, “Currently, we see 10 to 15 per cent cases who were exposed to second-hand smoke, asbestos and other forms of air pollution which led to cancer. Most of the patients come to hospitals in stage 2 or stage 3. It is a preventable disease.” A senior oncologist added, “In urban areas it is difficult to skip smoking and air pollution. We see respiratory infections in children because of poor air quality. ”
Choking air pollution
Symptoms of lung cancer
- Coughing with blood
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Causes
- Tobacco smoking (active)
- Environmental tobacco smoke exposure
- Pulmonary diseases: COPD, pneumoconiosis
- Systemic diseases: HIV
- Air pollution (indoor and outdoor)
- Environmental exposure: Radon, arsenic, nickel, chromium, asbestos and silica
- Genetic factors
Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
