Lung Cancer Incidences in Non-Smokers Spike!!!

IS POLLUTION TO BLAME?

Lung cancer cases are on the rise across India, and shockingly, it is also increasing in more who have never smoked. Outdoor air pollution is estimated to cause 1–2% of lung cancers. New evidence supports an increased risk of lung cancer from indoor air pollution too. WHO has issued a stiff warning that air pollution is the ‘new tobacco’ killing seven million people annually and damaging the health of many more.

With the credit of having 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, air pollution is a catastrophic epidemic in India. Just as the temperatures drop, pollution spikes in every urban centre around the country. Around Diwali, all the pollution caused by the fireworks adds to further deterioration in air quality. Plus, the burning stubbles in the states of Punjab and Haryana spread a thick layer of smog across the plains of north India. Delhi/NCR is already on high alert with its Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between very poor and hazardous. 

The Changing Face Of Lung Cancer In India

Nature of lung cancer cases being reported is changing alarmingly. There is a significant rise in the number of non-smoking lung cancer patients. To tell you all a real scenario, one of my patient, a 56 years old lady, had never touched a cigarette in her life nor had a family history of smoking or cancer. She was diagnosed at an advanced Stage IV lung cancer which had spread up to her brain. In medical terms, her condition was a Metastatic Adenocarcinoma. To simplify it, adenocarcinoma is the type of cancer prevalent in non-smokers and is linked with a mutation in genes caused by a range of environmental and other factors, while the type of lung cancer common among smokers is squamous cell carcinoma. Post-treatment this patient showed significant response and is surviving for 3 years now.

What Could Be The Cause Behind This Alarming Spike?

Well, the association between air pollution and lung cancer has been well established for decades. It’s still true that staying away from tobacco is the most important thing any of us can do to lower our risk of getting lung cancer. But, there are also other risk factors affecting non-smokers such as:

• Air pollution
• Secondhand smoke
• Exposure to radon gas
• Cancer-causing agents at work like asbestos and diesel exhaust

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk Of Lung Cancer?

There's no sure way to prevent lung cancer. However, the following are some suggested lifestyle changes that can definitely help to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

• Say no to tobacco and also protect yourself from secondhand smoke: Smoking cigarettes is the major reason for lung cancer, quit smoking. However, if you’re a non-smoker but live or work with a smoker, urge him or her to quit. At the very least, ask him or her to smoke outside. Avoid areas where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and seek out smoke-free options.
• Keep the indoor air pollution free: Plants like Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Areca Palm and Money Plant are proven to reduce the pollution levels inside homes. Use air purifiers inside your home. Use a chimney in the kitchen and exhausts in the bathroom. Open your windows and doors between 3pm-5pm and allow the air to circulate. On a bright sunny day, this is the time slot when the concentration of PM 2.5 is the lowest in the air.
• Purify your car air: When you start your car in the morning, roll down your window to let the air circulate. Next, run car AC in indoor circulation mode, which will reduce the PM 2.5 level considerably.
• Avoid carcinogens at work: Stay indoors, and close windows and doors where possible. Avoid exposure to outdoor dust clouds. Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion in areas of high dust pollution, especially construction sites. Wear an N95/99 mask for protection.
• Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables: Choose a healthy diet with a variety of Magnesium and Vit. C rich fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and ‘healthy’ Omega fatty acids. Beta-carotene rich carrots are known to reduce the risk of lung cancers. Replace sugar with Jaggery (gud); it helps to keep your lungs relatively cleaner. Have herbal ginger and tulsi tea once or twice a day for minimizing pollution effects!
• Exercise but only at pollution-free spaces: If you don't exercise regularly, start out slowly. Try to exercise most days of the week. Exercising is essential but not when we are breathing toxic air. People who walk, run/jog or engage in any outdoor activity should refrain from doing so until the smog settles. Shift these activities to evening hours or at indoor gyms.
• Take steam daily: Try to take steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil every day in the evening to relax your air-passages and help your body remove the harmful particulate substances.
• See a doctor: Seek medical advice if experiencing increased symptoms such as shortness of breath or hay fever-type symptoms from breathing dust.