Air pollution is a mixture of small particles and substances that can be man-made, such as blown from vehicles or burning coal/wood, and natural sources, such as wind-blown dust. Particulate matter (PM, especially ambient fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM0.1), is of most concern in terms of causing harmful health effects. It should come as no surprise that air pollution has been linked to lung cancer. But can air pollution cause other types of cancer, including breast, liver and pancreatic cancer? Who are at risk, and what are the preventions? Livemint spoke to Dr. Sunny Jain, HOD and Senior Consultant Oncology, Marengo QRG Hospital, Faridabad.
Can air pollution cause cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which the genetic structure of the cell is altered leading to uncontrolled, uncontrolled, non-regulated cell production. Evidence supports the correlation of particulate pollution as a definite cause of lung cancer, heart disease and asthma attacks. The risk of lung cancer from air pollution is lower than from smoking; in laboratory studies, it has been shown that pollutant particulates (PM2.5) promote mutations in EGFR and mutations in KRAS, another gene linked to lung cancer. Known as, who is driving them. Towards a cancer stem cell-like state.
Who is at higher risk of developing cancer due to air pollution?
Most people still do not know that particulate pollution is a risk factor for lung cancer. Fine particles promote mutations in the EGFR gene that is associated with NSCLC (lung cancer). Everyone living in polluted air/environment is at high risk of fighting lung disease including lung cancer. Populations more prone to this disease include children, elderly population, people with lung and heart disease, pre-existing disease like diabetes making people more prone to infection, people who work out, especially aerosol/ At very high risk of developing particulate matter induced lung cancer. Changes including cancer.
Do cancer patients need to be extra cautious?
Cancer patients have low immunity and therefore are more prone to infection than any healthy person. Cancer treatment itself takes a toll on the mental and physical health of patients, this increased level of pollution acts as a cherry. Lung cancer One should be very careful and try to avoid any outdoor activity/travel, unless unavoidable. Cancer patients should wear a face mask that has the ability to filter out dust and particles. To all patients to maintain a healthy diet which leads to enhanced immunity.
Redressal?
Is changing the city you live in is a solution? I think no, including myself, changes have to be made at every step such as abstaining from burning wood, stopping smoking, not burning garbage, turning off the engine at red lights, using public means of transport vehicles as far as possible Reducing density and pollution on the road. Avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, wear a face mask with good filtration capacity. Do not exercise outdoors when there is a sudden increase in pollution or when the air quality index is poor.
Meanwhile, a new study has shown that breathing polluted air can carry toxic particles from the lungs to the brain, via the bloodstream, potentially contributing to brain disorders and neurological damage. An international team of experts from the University of Birmingham and research institutes in China published their findings in PNAS.
catch all business News, market news, today’s fresh news events and breaking news Updates on Live Mint. download mint news app To get daily market updates.