Non-smokers at risk of lung cancer due to environmental factors

New Delhi: A startling percentage of the non-smoking population in Delhi and its neighbourhood are diagnosed with lung cancer every year.

Pointing out the unchecked rise in air pollution as the cause, experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences last week organised a conference titled, 'Environmental and Occupational Determinants of cancer: Intervention for Primary Preventions' in the Capital.

Experts from the premier healthcare institute did highlight the perils of smoking, but pointed out that while cigarette smoking is an undisputed cause of lung cancer, not all lung cancer patients are smokers.

"Smoking can cause up to 15 types of cancer, including lung and larynx, and 15 per cent of smokers are likely to get the disease. However, statistics have also found that 10 to 15 per cent of non-smokers are likely to get cancer too, especially women," Dr Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Oncology at AIIMS, observed.

"This hardly seems fair if you've never smoked, eat all your vegetables and run 20km a day. But the reality is that lung cancer is not just about smoke," Dr Shankar said addressing the conference.

He stated that lung cancer is more likely to be caused by the environment and man-mand pollutants.

"There is significantly more air pollution and recent studies have shown that pollution caused by traffic has increased by more than 15 to 20 percent over the past 15 to 20 years," he said. He added that not only does the rise in nitrogen oxide pose a risk to people driving or living around traffic, but it is also deadly for people who go for morning runs.

Dr G Rath, head of National Cancer Institute, said "These toxic compounds increase the risk of lung cancer, as they cause mutations of the tissue. One of the most infamous causes of lung disease and cancer is asbestos – a group of minerals used in the building industry, and most labourers are exposed to this hazardous chemical throughout their work duration."

Though many buildings have this material removed, it still remains a concern for those who work in or around asbestos-contaminated areas, Dr Rath said.

Dr Shankar said that while many people would not come across radioactive material, such as Uranium or Radon, during daily commute, it is important to recognise how severely atmospheric pollutants can impact on health and well-being.

"For those who live in homes that use fires for warmth and cooking, it is essential to use smoke-free coal as it will help reduce risks of lung cancer," he added.