Air pollution is causing over 1,100 lung cancer cases each year in the UK, according to a new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The study found that polluted air caused 515 men and 590 women in the UK to develop adenocarcinoma in 2022. This form of lung cancer is the most common.
In the UK, the rates of adenocarcinoma caused by air pollution are higher than in the US and Canada. They are also four times higher than in Finland, which has the lowest rates in northern Europe. Paula Chadwick, CEO of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, calls the findings “shocking” and urges immediate government action. “If we don’t reduce air pollution, more lives will be lost to lung cancer,” she warns.
Global Perspectives and the Rising Threat
The IARC study shows that air pollution caused 200,000 adenocarcinoma cases worldwide in 2022. While the UK’s numbers are lower than China’s, where air pollution-linked lung cancer is common, the situation is still serious. Lucy Clark from Cancer Research UK stresses that both environmental and lifestyle factors like smoking must be addressed. “The UK government needs to lower air pollution levels to help people live longer, healthier lives,” she says.
Dr. Helen Croker from the World Cancer Research Fund agrees, calling for a stronger government effort to reduce the health burden caused by toxic air. Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, criticizes decisions like the approval of a new Heathrow runway, which worsens air pollution.
A Call to Action for Cleaner Air
Adenocarcinoma now makes up 70% of lung cancer cases in non-smokers, showing the growing effect of environmental pollution. Experts, including Andrew Haines from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, urge the government to take action. “We need stronger efforts to tackle air pollution’s health impacts,” he says.
In response to the evidence, the UK government has promised to develop a clean air strategy. A spokesperson confirmed that the environmental improvement plan will be reviewed quickly to meet air quality targets. However, Livi Elsmore from the Healthy Air Coalition stresses that urgent action is needed to prevent future generations from breathing toxic air.
