Global Study Highlights Tobacco Use Dominates Lung Cancer Deaths, But Air Pollution Becomes Increasing Concern - Video

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet, analyzed tracheal, bronchial and lung (TBL) cancer data from the open-source Global Burden of Disease database. The results indicated an 8% overall decrease in tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer deaths over the three-decade period. While tobacco-related deaths declined, they continue to represent the majority of cases. Meanwhile, mortality linked to particulate matter air pollution has risen globally, and asbestos exposure remains a critical concern.

The study found that the percentage of tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer deaths linked to tobacco use declined from 72% in 1990 to 66% in 2019, although certain countries, such as China and Indonesia, are still experiencing rising tobacco-related cancer mortality. Moreover, the global mortality rate among women increased by 2%, though men still account for about three-quarters of tobacco-linked deaths.

Air pollution now accounts for almost 20% of global tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer mortality. Overall deaths linked to air pollution decreased from 1990-2019, but deaths associated directly with ambient particulate matter (PM 2.5) increased by 11%.

A key takeaway from the study is the need for continued research to better understand the mechanisms driving tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer, including how various risk factors contribute to molecular changes in cancer cells.

The findings also highlighted the need for revising current screening guidelines, which are primarily focused on tobacco exposure.

"This research allows us to better assess global trends and highlight areas where public health policies and further research are needed to tackle TBL cancers," said Gilberto Lopes, M.D., senior author of the study, chief of the Division of Medical Oncology at Sylvester and its associate director.

Reference: Evolving trends in lung cancer risk factors in the ten most populous countries: an analysis of data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, Jani, Chinmay T. et al.eClinicalMedicine, Volume 0, Issue 0, 103033