Unique regional risk factors such as air pollution and genetic mutations were identified as contributing factors.
Digital Desk: Scientists have noted distinct characteristics of lung cancer in Southeast Asia compared to other regions, including the West. They emphasized that the genetic profile of lung cancer in India is influenced by the country's diverse population. Additionally, they highlighted a significant proportion of lung cancer patients in India who have never smoked, attributing the disease to factors such as air pollution.
In response, the researchers advocated for region-specific studies, underscoring the impact of local environmental factors like air pollution on lung cancer rates. They called for guidelines tailored to Southeast Asia, informed by regional data rather than global trends.
The study, published in The Lancet's eClinical Medicine Journal and involving researchers from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, revealed that lung cancer in India tends to manifest earlier than in Western countries, typically affecting individuals between ages 54 and 70. This earlier onset is partly due to India's younger population compared to the USA and China.
Unique regional risk factors such as air pollution and genetic mutations were identified as contributing factors. The incidence rate of lung cancer has risen notably in urban areas, with expectations of further increases by 2025.
The study also highlighted a higher prevalence of lung cancer among men, attributed to higher rates of tobacco use compared to women. Moreover, a separate analysis from researchers, including those from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, explored the impact of climate change on lung cancer across Asia.
Citing data from the World Air Quality Report 2022, the researchers noted that South Asia, including India, faces significant air pollution challenges, with several cities ranking among the most polluted globally. They pointed out that countries like China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand bear a disproportionate burden of lung cancer cases in Asia, exacerbated by environmental factors and national disasters.
"As climate change continues to unfold, it magnifies the burden of lung cancer which is already a significant public health challenge in Asia," the authors wrote.
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