Lung Cancer Cases Rise Among Non-Smokers, Linked to Air Pollution

Adenocarcinoma, the dominant subtype of lung cancer in non-smokers, is increasingly attributed to poor air quality worldwide.

A global study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine highlights a rise in lung cancer diagnoses among non-smokers, with air pollution identified as a significant factor.
Adenocarcinoma accounts for 53% to 70% of lung cancer cases among non-smokers, making it the dominant subtype globally.
In 2022, nearly 200,000 adenocarcinoma cases were linked to exposure to air pollution, with the highest burden in East Asia and China.
Lung cancer in non-smokers is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, affecting women and Asian populations disproportionately.
Researchers emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies addressing air pollution and tobacco control to mitigate lung cancer risks.