KIMS How Air Pollution Is Emerging As A Silent Cause Of Lung Cancer Among Indians

For decades, smoking has been the dominant risk factor for lung cancer. But today, doctors are seeing alarming cases where non-smokers, too, are falling victim. “Air pollution is becoming a major underpinning to the rising amount of lung cancer cases we see in India," explains Dr Anil Heroor, Director – Oncological Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

“Although smoking is still persistently the greatest risk factor, air pollution is addressing a potentially more significant risk to those who may never have smoked a cigarette in their lives," he adds. According to Dr Heroor, tiny particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 penetrate deep into the lungs, causing chronic inflammation and permanent damage. “Over time, it damages the lungs in ways that they may never recover and heals improperly, also leaving the door open for abnormal cell growth to persist," he notes.

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