New Delhi: In Noida and adjacent locations, growing air pollution during winters is suffocating lungs and triggering a troubling spike in cancer occurrences. It has been shown that Delhi NCR’s pollution is more dangerous than cigarette smoke. More than 90% of instances of lung cancer are detected at the advanced stage, according to statistics. The risk of lung cancer increases dramatically for people who smoke one pack of cigarettes every day for 20 years, particularly for those who are 40–65 years old and older. For these people, experts stress the value of routine tests. Quitting smoking is the best way for smokers to lower this risk.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Director of Pulmonology & Critical Care, Fortis Greater Noida, listed the causes of a surge in lung cancer cases.
Previously, lung cancer cases were predominantly seen in adults aged 60 to 65 and older. However, the age range is currently migrating towards younger people. Projections for 2025 are alarming, with more than 90% of cases discovered at an advanced stage with limited treatment choices. Rising pollution levels, which set new records each year, have demonstrated that nonsmokers are not immune to the risk of lung cancer. Symptoms of this condition usually show later and include continuous coughing, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, weight loss, loss of appetite, chest pain, and weariness.
Pollution has become a significant factor, especially PM 2.5. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as hazardous if its diameter is less than 2.5 micrometres. Smokers are no longer the only people who get lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is also becoming more common in nonsmoking women. The condition can be better controlled and treated with early screening. Lungs are in grave danger due to rising pollution levels. Living in places like Noida has the same effects as smoking 20 to 30 cigarettes a day, according to experts. As a result, this fatal illness is affecting both smokers and non-smokers.
Lung health should be people’s top priority. Lung cancer can easily be treated if it is discovered early. In addition to increasing awareness, this screening clinic will enhance people’s quality of life.
Climate change
Climate change and other environmental damage appear to be making skin cancer more common. As heatwaves occur more often and last longer, people around the world are spending more time outdoors, exposing their skin to the harmful effects. of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Unfortunately, depletion of the ozone in the atmosphere by industrial chemicals and human activity is allowing more of these ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth.
Some experts predict that one day there will be more plastic than fish. in our oceans. Microparticles from plastics are found in fish, shellfish, and other marine animals. They also turn up in the air we breathe. That increases our risk for cancer.
Air pollution and microplastics
For example, there’s growing interest in a chemical called BPA, which is found in plastic used to make various products, including some reusable water bottles and food containers. It’s also found in a coating on cash register receipts printed on thermal paper. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means it interferes with healthy levels of hormones, specifically the female hormone estrogen. Lab studies also show that BPA damages DNA and alters the normal life cycle of human cells although more study is needed.
Some early evidence suggests that exposure to BPA could promote certain forms of cancer, including breast cancer. You can also help make the world healthier by taking simple steps that can slow climate change, such as swapping incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs, which use far less energy. Trading a gasoline-guzzling car for an electric vehicle will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, too. And of course, take all the necessary steps to keep yourself healthy. Get plenty of exercise. See your doctor regularly.
Smoking is one of the key drivers for lung cancer and even other forms of cancer. But researchers have named other causes as well, pollution being one of them. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
