Lung cancer India study: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has launched a first-of-its-kind study aimed at ascertaining the link between air pollution and lung cancer in India on Friday. The research, titled AIRCARE, will be led by Dr Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology. The study aims to explore how prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) influences the risk of developing lung cancer across diverse population groups.

Lung cancer cases rising among non-smokers, says Dr Shankar

Dr Shankar highlighted an alarming trend, asserting that lung cancer cases are increasingly being diagnosed among non-smokers, particularly young adults and women. He said, “Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among males in India, but a high number of non-smoking cases among females and younger populations raises concerns.” He also underlined the need for India-specific scientific evidence. 

Study to analyse 1,615 lung cancer patients

The AIRCARE study will rope in as many as 1,615 lung cancer patients alongside an equal number of control participants drawn from their families across the Delhi-NCR region. The researchers monitoring the study will employ both cohort and case-control models to assess long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its implications on health. Moreover, the researchers will also explore genetic factors alongside clinical observation. The aim of the scientists is to identify whether prolonged exposure to polluted air leaves a distinct genetic imprint in the Indian population, potentially triggering cancer development later in life. 

Lung cancer India study: Evidence to prove crucial for shaping public health policies

As per researchers, the findings are expected to aid in developing a risk-based screening model tailored to Indian conditions, by combining molecular and clinical data. The study also seeks to identify groups more susceptible to lung cancer due to exposure to pollution. As India houses several of the world’s most polluted cities, researchers stress that such evidence is crucial for shaping public health policies and mitigating the growing burden of lung cancer. 

Lung cancer claims 67.5k deaths in India annually

According to official data, lung cancer causes as many as 67,500 deaths in India annually. Moreover, it holds a death rate of 8.4 per 100,000 people and 85% of the cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

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