Home / Health / AIIMS Study Links Air Pollution to Lung Cancer Risk in India
AIIMS Study Links Air Pollution to Lung Cancer Risk in India
20 Mar
Summary
- AIIMS-Delhi is researching PM2.5 air pollution's impact on lung cancer.
- The AIRCARE study includes 1,615 lung cancer cases and controls.
- Researchers aim to identify a unique genetic signature linked to pollution exposure.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi is conducting a significant study to explore the relationship between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the development of lung cancer in India. This research, named the AIRCARE study, is led by Dr. Abhishek Shankar and aims to address the growing public health concern of air pollution. India, with some of the world's most polluted cities, requires scientific evidence to inform health policies.
The AIRCARE study will analyze 1,615 lung cancer cases alongside 1,615 control subjects from the Delhi-NCR region. It utilizes both cohort and case-control designs to assess the chronic effects of PM2.5 exposure across various demographics and socioeconomic groups. A key focus is the search for a unique Indian genetic signature that may indicate an increased susceptibility to lung cancer following air pollution exposure.
Researchers plan to develop a risk-based screening model tailored to the Indian population, incorporating both clinical and molecular factors. This model will help identify individuals at higher risk, particularly given the concerning rise in lung cancer among non-smokers and younger adults in India. Lung cancer remains a prevalent cancer, emphasizing the urgency for effective management and mitigation strategies.
