Study Reveals Link Between Increased Air Pollution and Higher Rates of Head and Neck Cancer - Video
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Overview
A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports correlates higher levels of pollutant particulate matter to higher occurrences of head and neck aerodigestive cancer.
The article, "Air Pollution Exposure and Head and Neck Cancer Incidence," is the work of a multi-institutional collaboration with researchers from Wayne State University, Johns Hopkins University and Mass General Brigham.
“These findings shed light on the significant role of environmental pollution in cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, highlighting the need for further awareness, research and mitigation efforts.” said senior author Stella Lee, M.D., of the Center for Surgery and Public Health and Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham health care system
The researchers used data from the U.S. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) national cancer database from the years 2002-12. They observed the highest association between this type of pollution exposure with head and neck cancer after a five-year lag period. They focused on PM2.5, which is particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 microns, and its effect on head and neck aerodigestive cancer incidence.
“We are looking at a certain size of air pollution particulates,” said Cramer, Ph.D., associate professor of otolaryngology. “The size of the particles is relevant because the classic model for studying the upper airways is that the nose and throat act as filters before they get into the lungs. Larger particles are being filtered out, but we are conceptualizing that different types of pollution hit different parts of the airways.”
Reference: Peleman, J., Ruan, M., Dey, T. et al. Air pollution exposure and head and neck cancer incidence. Sci Rep 14, 26998 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73756-3
Speakers
Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri
BDS, MDS
Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is a Consultant Orthodontist at Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi. She is also working as a Correspondent and a Medical Writer at Medical Dialogues. She completed her BDS from Dr D Y patil dental college and MDS from Kalinga institute of dental sciences. Apart from dentistry, she has a strong research and scientific writing acumen. At Medical Dialogues, She focusses on medical news, dental news, dental FAQ and medical writing etc.
