Pollution's Cancerous Impact: Understanding Health Risks

Air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, and a new study suggests that it may also be associated with an increased risk of mortality for several other types of cancer, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer.

Lung cancer

Air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, with a study finding that pollution increases the risk of mortality from the disease by 36%. This is thought to be due to the inflammation caused by PM2.5, a mixture of environmental pollutants that come from transportation and power generation, among other sources. This inflammation wakes up normally inactive cells in the lungs which carry cancer-causing mutations. The combination of these mutations and inflammation can trigger these cells to grow uncontrollably, forming tumours.

A study by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found higher rates of EGFR mutant lung cancer in people living in areas with higher levels of PM2.5 pollution. The study also exposed mice with cells carrying EGFR mutations in their lungs to air pollution at levels normally found in cities, finding that increasing air pollution levels increases the risk of lung cancer.

Another study, which enrolled 66,280 residents of Hong Kong, found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of mortality from several types of cancer, including lung cancer. The authors of the study identified several potential explanations for the increased association, including that pollution might spark defects in DNA repair function, alterations in the body’s immune response, or inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that allows tumours to spread.

While air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, it is important to note that other factors, such as UV light and tobacco smoke, are also known to cause damage to the structure of DNA, creating mutations that can lead to cancer.

Breast cancer

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer.

While the exact mechanism by which pollution increases the risk of breast cancer is not fully understood, there are several potential explanations. One theory is that pollution causes defects in DNA repair function, which can lead to mutations and cancer growth. Another possibility is that pollution alters the body's immune response, making it less effective at fighting off cancer cells. Additionally, pollution may cause inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that allows tumours to spread.

The link between air pollution and breast cancer is particularly concerning given the high prevalence of air pollution worldwide. 99% of the world's population lives in areas that exceed the annual WHO limits for PM2.5, highlighting the public health challenges posed by air pollution. It is important to address these challenges and reduce exposure to air pollution to mitigate the risk of breast cancer and other health issues.

Overall, the evidence suggests that air pollution is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and efforts to reduce pollution levels and protect public health are crucial. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which pollution increases cancer risk and to develop effective strategies for prevention and mitigation.

Liver cancer

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of mortality for several types of cancer, including liver cancer.

A study of 66,280 residents of Hong Kong, all of whom were 65 or older, found that long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, was associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. PM2.5 is a mixture of environmental pollutants that come from transportation and power generation, among other sources.

While there is no evidence that air pollution directly mutates DNA, scientists have found that it can cause inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to cancer. This inflammation wakes up normally inactive cells in the lungs that carry cancer-causing mutations. The combination of these mutations and inflammation can trigger these cells to grow uncontrollably, forming tumours.

In addition to lung cancer, liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 8.2% of cancer deaths. Liver cancer can be caused by exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution, which can damage the liver over time. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, and when it is exposed to high levels of pollutants, it can become overwhelmed and damaged.

Pancreatic cancer

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. A study of 66,280 residents of Hong Kong found that long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, was associated with a higher risk of mortality for pancreatic cancer. PM2.5 is a mixture of environmental pollutants that come from transportation and power generation, among other sources.

While the exact mechanism by which pollution contributes to pancreatic cancer is not fully understood, researchers have proposed several theories. One possibility is that pollution affects the gut microbiota, which in turn influences the development of cancer in the digestive organs. Additionally, pollution may cause defects in DNA repair function, alterations in the body's immune response, or inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that allows tumours to spread.

It is important to note that the link between air pollution and pancreatic cancer is complex and influenced by various factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between pollution and cancer risk, as well as to develop effective strategies to mitigate the health impacts of air pollution.

Colorectal cancer

The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not fully understood, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include: age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and a diet high in red and processed meats.

Pollution has also been identified as a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer. This is because pollution can affect gut microbiota and influence the development of cancer. In addition, pollution can cause inflammation, which can trigger the growth of tumours.

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