Air pollution in India is an escalating concern, especially in major cities where high levels of particulate matter and toxins are contributing to a rise in respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer. As urban pollution levels continue to increase, the health impacts are becoming more evident, particularly for vulnerable populations.



The silent effects of air pollution, along with the challenges of diagnosing and treating lung cancer, highlight the need for immediate action to improve air quality and healthcare accessibility. With lung cancer on the rise, diagnosing the disease remains a challenge due to its similarity to other prevalent respiratory conditions like tuberculosis.



Air Pollution in India


There's growing concern over India's air pollution, and high particulate matter with toxins causes respiratory ailments. Major cities such as Delhi, through most parts of the year, often note hazardous air quality that leads to chronic conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. It has been well-proven that long-term exposure to polluted air increases lung cancer risk.



Air quality data for major Indian cities, till date in September 2024, shows wide variations in pollution levels:



New Delhi recorded the highest AQI of 179 with risky PM2.5 (84) and PM10 (156), heavily polluted, especially from particulate matter, and poses severe health risks, even lung cancer.



Ahmedabad and Mumbai reflect moderate AQI levels at 67 and 68, respectively and exhibit similar concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10. They do reflect risks from air pollution but are lower than New Delhi.



Bangalore boasts the cleanest air at AQI 28. It reflects minimal particulate matter with better air quality control.



Pune presents alarming pollution at a level of AQI 114 and has high concentrations of PM10 at 128, thus placing vulnerable groups at risk.



Chennai and Hyderabad have relatively low AQI levels at 50 and 53 respectively, but not so the case with particulate matters



Kolkata has relatively high pollution (AQI 76), especially elevated PM2.5 40 PM10 70 and CO 584 which is specifically risky to respiration health.



Generally, air quality is very dynamic, with New Delhi as the worst affected, followed by Pune and Kolkata, but Bangalore and Chennai have relatively cleaner air.



Lung Cancer and Air Pollution


Air pollution is one of the most significant contributors to lung cancer, particularly in India, where this article depicts, plenty of cities suffer from high levels of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Fine particulate matter, being highly penetrating to lungs, conducts chronic inflammation and damage to lung tissue due to prolonged exposure to it, thereby increasing the risk of lung cancer.



This is particularly frightening in the case of non-smokers who can develop lung cancer due to environmental factors. In these regards, it's not justifiable that cities like New Delhi are also going beyond the safe limits of pollutants in the air.



Is Air Pollution More Cancerous Than Smoking?


While both air pollution and smoking are leading lung cancer causes, smoking remains the primary cause globally, including in India. However, air pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to cancer, especially in non-smokers.



Comparison Between Air Pollution and Smoking in India:



Smoking: Smoking causes around 80-90% of lung cancer cases globally. In India, it is estimated that over 120 million people smoke and around 1 million people die annually from smoking-related

diseases, including lung cancer.



Air Pollution: According to the Global Burden of Disease Report, over 1.67 million deaths in India were attributed to air pollution in 2019. Of these, around 70,000 were due to lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 can cause lung cancer even in non-smokers, but the risk is generally lower compared to that of heavy smoking.



In cities like Delhi, residents can inhale pollution equivalent to smoking 10-15 cigarettes a day. However, while air pollution affects a larger population, the cancer risk from smoking is still higher on an individual level due to the direct exposure to carcinogens in tobacco smoke.



In summary, while smoking remains more cancerous per individual, air pollution is a growing threat due to its widespread impact across populations.



The Difficulty in Diagnosing Lung Cancer


Diagnosing lung cancer in India is challenging, especially because its symptoms often mimic those of tuberculosis (TB), a prevalent condition in the country. Both lung cancer and TB share common signs such as persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, and shortness of breath. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, as TB is typically suspected first.



Lung cancer might go unnoticed until the disease has advanced, making timely intervention more difficult. The similarity in clinical presentation between the two conditions highlights the need for more precise diagnostic tools and awareness to ensure early and accurate detection of lung cancer.



Barely 5% of Indian patients suffering from Lung Cancer seek help in time for medical help. When contrasted with the West, with percentages of 20% of patients, improving lung cancer diagnosis in India can be considered as the need of the hour.



Treating Lung Cancer


Lung cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common treatments include:



Surgery: Removing part or all of the affected lung if the cancer is detected early.



Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours, often in later stages.



Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are administered to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.



Targeted Therapy: Medications that specifically target cancer mutations without harming normal cells.



Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.



A combination of these treatments is often used for the best outcomes. Early detection significantly improves survival rates.



Improving Air Quality


Improving air quality in India requires a multifaceted approach involving government policies, industry regulations, and public awareness:



1. Stricter Emission Standards: Enforcing stricter limits on vehicle and industrial emissions can reduce harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10.

2. Promoting Clean Energy: Shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind can reduce reliance on coal and fossil fuels.

3. Public Transportation and Electric Vehicles: Expanding public transport and encouraging the use of electric vehicles can reduce traffic-related pollution.

4. Tree Planting and Green Spaces: Increasing urban green cover helps absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality.

5. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on reducing indoor pollution and adopting eco-friendly practices is crucial for long-term change.



Conclusion


Addressing the link between air pollution and lung cancer in India requires both immediate and long-term solutions. Stricter emission standards, a transition to clean energy, and widespread public awareness are vital to reducing the harmful health impacts of poor air quality. Equally important is ensuring timely diagnosis and effective treatment for those affected by lung cancer, which is where Plunes Healthcare plays a crucial role.



By offering access to top doctors, clinics, and hospitals at reduced costs, Plunes Healthcare helps individuals navigate the challenges posed by air pollution and lung cancer, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable across the nation.