Rising Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers Linked to Air Pollution

A new study is sounding the alarm: lung cancer is increasing among people who have never smoked, and polluted air is a major culprit, especially in big cities and across East Asia.

What the Study Found
Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the research estimates that in 2022 about 15 percent of lung adenocarcinoma cases worldwide, roughly 200,000 people, were linked to air pollution. This is notable in the context of a global decline in smoking rates, even as Israel has seen a recent uptick in tobacco use.

The Type of Cancer in Focus
Adenocarcinoma, the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer, accounts for about 85 percent of cases. Among people who never smoked, the share of patients with this subtype ranges from 53 percent to 70 percent.

Why This Matters Now
Dr. Freddie Bray, one of the study’s lead researchers, emphasizes the urgent need to expand research into how air pollution affects lung health. The findings are consistent with the World Health Organization’s 2019 estimate that 99 percent of the global population breathes air that does not meet recommended quality guidelines. The trend is particularly pronounced in China and among women, raising questions about rapid industrialization and differences in environmental exposure.

Experts warn that nearly everyone is affected: 99 percent of the population is exposed, and immediate action is needed.

Symptoms to Watch For
The researchers highlight several warning signs that should not be ignored:

• A persistent cough lasting longer than three weeks

• Shortness of breath

• Recurring chest infections

• Coughing up blood

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing fatigue

• Pain while breathing or coughing

The Bottom Line
The data point to a clear link between air pollution and lung cancer, especially in urban areas and across East Asia. As the study underscores, cleaner air is not just a matter of comfort; it is a public health imperative.