Richard Parks Air pollution causes over 1,100 new cases of lung cancer in the UK each year. A new report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows how polluted air affects health. In 2022, 515 men and 590 women got adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, due to air pollution.
The UK has higher rates of adenocarcinoma linked to air pollution than the US and Canada. It is four times higher than Finland. Paula Chadwick, CEO of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, says this is alarming. She calls for immediate action from the government. “If we don’t act, more people will suffer from lung cancer,” she warns.
Global Concern and the UK’s Struggles
Worldwide, air pollution caused 200,000 adenocarcinoma cases in 2022. The UK’s rates are lower than in China, but they still show a big problem. Lucy Clark from Cancer Research UK says we need to reduce environmental risks, not just focus on smoking. “We need to act now to protect health,” she says.
Dr. Helen Croker from the World Cancer Research Fund says the world must deal with the harmful effects of polluted air. Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, criticizes decisions like building a new Heathrow runway. She believes it will worsen air quality. “This could harm the next generation,” she says.
Taking Action on Air Pollution
Now, 70% of lung cancer cases in non-smokers are adenocarcinoma. This shows that the environment is playing a bigger role. Experts like Andrew Haines from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine say the government must act. “Air pollution’s health effects should be a top priority,” he says.
The UK government is working on a clean air plan. They are reviewing a new strategy to meet air quality targets. But campaigners like Livi Elsmore from the Healthy Air Coalition say more action is needed. They want cleaner air for future generations.