Air pollution linked to rising lung cancer rates among non-smokers, new study says

A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine highlights air pollution as a major factor driving the rise of lung cancer among non-smokers, particularly affecting women and populations in Southeast Asia.

The research, released on World Cancer Day, found that adenocarcinoma, a key subtype of lung cancer, now dominates cases among women in 185 countries. The highest rates were observed in East Asia, especially China, where household pollution from burning solid fuels for cooking and heating may contribute to the disease.

While lung cancer remains the most common form of cancer globally, with 2.5 million cases diagnosed in 2022, the proportion of non-smokers affected is increasing as smoking rates decline.

Meanwhile, a separate study led by Australia’s radiation safety agency, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), found no link between mobile phone use and various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid, and oral cancers. This follows an earlier WHO-backed review that also found no connection between mobile phones and brain cancer.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly 10 million fatalities annually. The growing burden continues to challenge health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.