All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has launched a major research study to examine the link between air pollution and lung cancer.
The study, known as the “AirCare Study,” is being conducted under the guidance of Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS. It will involve 1,615 lung cancer patients from the Delhi region.
According to Dr. Abhishek Shankar, air pollution has become a serious public health concern and requires urgent policy interventions to reduce its impact and prevent further loss of lives. He emphasized that several of the world’s most polluted cities are located in India, making scientific research on pollution-related health risks essential.
Lung cancer is currently the second most common cancer among men in India and ranks fourth among cancers affecting both men and women. Alarmingly, cases of lung cancer among non-smokers are increasing, especially among women and younger individuals.
The study aims to investigate whether air pollution is a major contributing factor to lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. Researchers will also explore whether early genetic changes caused by pollution in a specific gene common among the Indian population could eventually lead to lung cancer.
Dr. Shankar noted that the study is a complex effort, involving both clinical and non-clinical factors, and is expected to provide crucial scientific evidence to better understand and combat the growing health risks associated with air pollution in India.
