Doctors at Fortis Escorts Amritsar Highlight Risk of Lung Cancer from Poor Air Quality; Recommend Regular Respiratory Health Screenings

Doctors at Fortis Escorts Amritsar Highlight Risk of Lung Cancer from Poor Air Quality; Recommend Regular Respiratory Health Screenings    

Amritsar, January 2024: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is an undeniable connection between air pollution and increasing occurrences of lung cancer among non-smokers. Medical experts assert that a healthy individual should ideally aim for an Air Quality Index (AQI) below 50. However, in the recent past, the AQI in Northern India has surged well beyond 400, presenting a severe threat to individuals with lung-related ailments and potentially increasing the risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, according to the Air Quality Index, Amritsar's present PM2.5 concentration is 217, which is 10.8 times more than the WHO's 24-hour air quality recommendations recommended level.  

The respiratory health of North Indians, smokers and non-smokers alike, is being negatively impacted by particulate particles, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, all of which are common pollutants originating from vehicle fumes and industrial emissions. Lung cancer risk apart, these factors contribute significantly to the rise of other respiratory diseases, like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Air pollution can also aggravate pre-existing conditions, making it harder to breathe and reducing lung function over time. 

Dr. Imran Khan, Associate Consultant Oncology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, states, “There is a 30% increase in respiratory ailments post-Diwali. Amongst the reported respiratory ailments, 50% have worsening cough, cold, and dyspnoea. Usually, Diwali falls around the start of winter, which coincides with a difficult time for people with pre-existing respiratory ailments. The increase in air pollution, especially from suspended pollutants that fail to rise due to the cold, exacerbates the problem. It is imperative to highlight the connection between our city's critically low air quality and the rising number of lung cancer cases.” 

Dr. Huma Noor, Consultant Oncology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, states, “Lung health and air quality are correlated, and this is one of the factors contributing to the growth in lung cancer incidence Numerous additional respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis, asthma attacks, and the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are also brought on by poor air quality. Early symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent coughing, chest pain, wheezing, dyspnea, and recurrent infections, may be difficult to recognize. It can be detected early with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, but screening is still necessary, especially for people who are more susceptible. Lung cancer if detected timely is treatable with the correct line of treatment.”