For the last week, the air quality in the capital Delhi-NCR has been continuously deteriorating. Falling Air Quality Index (AQI) and breathing polluted air are considered to be the cause of many serious health problems. From lungs to heart and mental health to neurological disorders, air pollution can lead to a higher risk of a variety of serious health problems. Does the risk of cancer also increase due to pollution? This is a big question at the moment.
Cancer is one of the leading risk factors for mortality globally, causing millions of deaths each year. The number of cancer patients is also increasing in India. National Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated every year on 7 November in India to raise public awareness about early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer.
The way the risk of air pollution is increasing every year in the country, is this a cancer-causing condition? Let us understand about this.
Risk of cancer due to air pollution
Health experts have conducted a study to understand whether air pollution increases the risk of cancer. The researchers said air pollution can be a carcinogen for both men and women, with high levels believed to increase the risks of everything from breast cancer to lung and throat cancer.
According to research, outdoor air pollution may be a factor in approximately one in 10 cases of lung cancer. Air pollution particles damage the DNA in cells, which can lead to inflammation and cancer.
Breast cancer risks
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women every year. In one study, researchers found that the greatest increase in breast cancer incidence was reported in women who had higher exposure to particulate matter levels (PM 2.5). The smoke coming out from motor vehicles, burning oil, coal or wood smoke, etc. contains more PM 2.5.
Breast cancer accounted for 27.7% of all cancers reported among women in India in 2018. An estimated 1,62,468 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in India. Air pollution may be a risk factor.
How to reduce its risk?
Health experts say that it is difficult to completely avoid air pollution, but you can make some precautionary efforts. Avoid going to areas with polluted air; if going outside, wear a mask to prevent pollutants from entering the respiratory tract. To reduce the risk of cancer, it is very important to maintain a proper lifestyle and diet. If you have risk factors for this, contact your doctor to prevent it.
Indoor air pollution is also dangerous
Apart from outdoor pollution, indoor air pollution is also harmful to your health. Studies show that exposure to indoor air pollution may also increase cancer risk. Apart from this, second-hand smoke can also have serious side effects on health.
To reduce the risk of indoor air pollution, ensure good ventilation in the room and take measures to prevent cancer.
(PC: Freepik)
