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Air Pollution and Lung Cancer: Risks, Progression, and What Patients Should Do
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
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Lung Cancer
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs begin to grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors. If not diagnosed and treated early, lung cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, making treatment more challenging.
Lung Cancer Types
Adenocarcinoma (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC subtype)
•Begins in mucus-producing cells in the outer parts of the lungs. It is the most common type of lung cancer and occurs in both smokers and non-smokers. It tends to grow slowly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC subtype)
•Starts in the flat cells lining the inside of the airways, usually in the central part of the lungs. Strongly linked to smoking.
Large Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC subtype)
•Found anywhere in the lung, this type grows and spreads quickly, making it more aggressive than other NSCLC types.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
•Less common but more aggressive, it grows and spreads quickly. Almost always linked to smoking and typically diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
- •A hallmark early sign, often due to irritation or obstruction in the airways caused by tumor growth. Unlike a typical cough from a cold, it doesn’t resolve.
What’s Notable
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death.
Smoking contributes to about 85% of all lung cancer cases.
Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is linked to 20% higher risk of lung cancer.
When to Seek Help
If you have symptoms such as a cough that lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, coughing up blood, persistent shortness of breath or chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, ongoing fatigue, or repeated chest infections, you should see a doctor promptly. Early medical evaluation is important, especially if you have risk factors like smoking, as it can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options.
Lung Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Smoking (Significant Risk Factor)
Main cause, responsible for most lung cancer cases; damages lung cells with carcinogens.
Secondhand Smoke
Inhaling smoke from others increases lung cancer risk even if you don’t smoke.
Occupational Hazards
Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and other harmful chemicals at work.
Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to polluted air, including diesel exhaust, increases risk.
Previous Radiation Therapy
Chest radiation for other cancers can raise lung cancer risk.
Family History
Genetic factors can increase your susceptibility if close relatives had lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms: Recurrent cough, dyspnoea, unintentional weight loss, pain in chest.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Kills rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.
Common drugs:
Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Pemetrexed.
Note:
Frequently used prior to or following surgery or with radiation in advanced stages.
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Inhibits mutations that fuel cancer growth.
Common drugs:
Osimertinib, Crizotinib, Alectinib.
Note:
For tumors with EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 mutations.
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Assists immune system in identifying and targeting cancer.
Common drugs:
Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab.
Note:
Standard for advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 expression.
Lung Cancer Treatment by Types
Main treatments::
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.
Early stage (I–II)::
primarily surgery (lobectomy, wedge resection, pneumonectomy).
Surgery:
may be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy to reduce recurrence risk.
Stage III::
typically treated with chemoradiation; surgery considered in select cases.
Advanced/metastatic (Stage IV)::
systemic therapies including chemotherapy, targeted drugs (EGFR/ALK inhibitors), immunotherapy.
Palliative therapies (photodynamic, laser):
used for symptom relief.
Lung Cancer Stages
•Also called carcinoma in situ or Tis.
•Cancer cells are confined to the innermost lining of the lung airways.
•Non-invasive at this stage.
•Highly treatable with surgery; excellent prognosis.
Management & Prevention
Exercise and Breathing
•Engage in gentle exercises and breathing techniques to improve lung capacity, endurance, and strength.
Follow Treatment and Check-ups
•Stick to your treatment plan and attend all medical appointments for monitoring your recovery.
Nutrition
•Eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support healing and energy levels
Symptom Management
•Work with your healthcare team to manage any side effects or symptoms like fatigue and pain.
Lung Cancer Types
Adenocarcinoma (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC subtype)
•Begins in mucus-producing cells in the outer parts of the lungs. It is the most common type of lung cancer and occurs in both smokers and non-smokers. It tends to grow slowly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC subtype)
•Starts in the flat cells lining the inside of the airways, usually in the central part of the lungs. Strongly linked to smoking.
Large Cell Carcinoma (NSCLC subtype)
•Found anywhere in the lung, this type grows and spreads quickly, making it more aggressive than other NSCLC types.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
•Less common but more aggressive, it grows and spreads quickly. Almost always linked to smoking and typically diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
- •A hallmark early sign, often due to irritation or obstruction in the airways caused by tumor growth. Unlike a typical cough from a cold, it doesn’t resolve.
What’s Notable
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death.
Smoking contributes to about 85% of all lung cancer cases.
Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is linked to 20% higher risk of lung cancer.
When to Seek Help
If you have symptoms such as a cough that lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, coughing up blood, persistent shortness of breath or chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, ongoing fatigue, or repeated chest infections, you should see a doctor promptly. Early medical evaluation is important, especially if you have risk factors like smoking, as it can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options.
Lung Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Smoking (Significant Risk Factor)
Main cause, responsible for most lung cancer cases; damages lung cells with carcinogens.
Secondhand Smoke
Inhaling smoke from others increases lung cancer risk even if you don’t smoke.
Occupational Hazards
Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and other harmful chemicals at work.
Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to polluted air, including diesel exhaust, increases risk.
Previous Radiation Therapy
Chest radiation for other cancers can raise lung cancer risk.
Family History
Genetic factors can increase your susceptibility if close relatives had lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms: Recurrent cough, dyspnoea, unintentional weight loss, pain in chest.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Kills rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.
Common drugs:
Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Pemetrexed.
Note:
Frequently used prior to or following surgery or with radiation in advanced stages.
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Inhibits mutations that fuel cancer growth.
Common drugs:
Osimertinib, Crizotinib, Alectinib.
Note:
For tumors with EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 mutations.
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Assists immune system in identifying and targeting cancer.
Common drugs:
Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab.
Note:
Standard for advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 expression.
Lung Cancer Treatment by Types
Main treatments::
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.
Early stage (I–II)::
primarily surgery (lobectomy, wedge resection, pneumonectomy).
Surgery:
may be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy to reduce recurrence risk.
Stage III::
typically treated with chemoradiation; surgery considered in select cases.
Advanced/metastatic (Stage IV)::
systemic therapies including chemotherapy, targeted drugs (EGFR/ALK inhibitors), immunotherapy.
Palliative therapies (photodynamic, laser):
used for symptom relief.
Lung Cancer Stages
•Also called carcinoma in situ or Tis.
•Cancer cells are confined to the innermost lining of the lung airways.
•Non-invasive at this stage.
•Highly treatable with surgery; excellent prognosis.
Management & Prevention
Exercise and Breathing
•Engage in gentle exercises and breathing techniques to improve lung capacity, endurance, and strength.
Follow Treatment and Check-ups
•Stick to your treatment plan and attend all medical appointments for monitoring your recovery.
Nutrition
•Eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support healing and energy levels
Symptom Management
•Work with your healthcare team to manage any side effects or symptoms like fatigue and pain.
Why Choose Everhope Lung Cancer?
At Everhope Oncology, we see lung cancer as more than a disease- it’s a personal journey. With expert care, compassion, and cutting-edge treatments, we stand with you every step toward hope and healing.
2M
New cases of lung cancer worldwide
1.8M
Deaths globally in 2022
20%
Higher risk of lung cancer is linked to exposure to air pollution
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FAQs on Lung Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Yes, although smoking is a major risk factor, non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to air pollution, radon exposure, or genetic factors.
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