Scientists Discover the Mechanism of Lung Cancer Formation in Non-Smokers

by Sanjay Nandy Digital Marketing Manager

The UK researchers claim to have discovered the mechanism of how lung cancer forms in non-smokers. In their studies, they have correlated air pollution to malignancy. This research is going to be a breakthrough in cancer prevention and early-stage detection as well. The study was performed at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London (UCL), with Professor Charles Swanton helming the group.

Cancer Research UK funded the research as a part of their broader initiative to understand what contributes to lung cancer formation and spread in the hope to find better treatments for this particular type of malignancy.

Air pollution is one of the major concerns for many countries. It has become one of the most-discussed topics on a global platform. Several studies have been performed and published to understand how air pollution invites health hazards. Many studies have found that lung cancer is on rising among non-smokers and it is a global phenomenon.

Though several studies have established the link between air pollution and lung cancer but scientists have long been clueless about how the tiny particles trigger malignancy in otherwise healthy lung cells. Now a group of UK scientists have put an end to their speculations through a wonderful reasons-backed revelation.

How Does It Happen?

According to these scientists, tiny nefarious particles in the air, emitted by combustion engine vehicles, stimulate cancer-causing mutations in lung cells. Over time, these mutations cause malignant tumours to form. The research explains why so many non-smokers are receiving a lung cancer diagnosis. The findings, though yet to be published in a peer-reviewed science journal, were presented and discussed at the European Society for Medical Oncology’s annual conference in Paris a couple of days ago.

Oncologists have successfully identified important factors responsible for different types of cancers. A common factor that contributes to malignancy is age. As we age, mutated cells with cancer-causing potentials accumulate. However, most of them remain benign for the rest of their life. Unfortunately, a few of them receive ‘wake-up calls from tiny air pollution elements and form cancerous tumours in the lungs. In other words, these mutated cells sleep until they are stirred and stimulated by the polluting agents to develop and grow in cancerous lumps.

The group has revealed that high levels of fine airborne particles are linked to higher rates of several other types of cancer as well.

How Can The Research Benefit Oncologists?

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. It is more prevalent in men than in women. Even if diagnosed in the 1st stage, the five-year survival rate is only 64% whereas it drops to 8% if cancer spreads to distant organs i.e. becomes metastatic.

With this revelation, cancer researchers can now develop a mechanism to treat and prevent lung cancer in non-smokers. If they come up with an invention that can effectively stop mutated cells from becoming cancerous in response to air pollution, it will save many lives.

Final Words

Buy the best air purifier from Avizo to stay safe from cancer-causing tiny air particles. Consult a physician about how frequently you should undergo LDCT (Low Compute Tomography). This screening is useful for early lung cancer detection.