Researchers from Wayne State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Mass General Brigham have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the relationship between air pollution and higher rates of head and neck cancer. Their study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights a concerning link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and an increased incidence of these types of cancers.
Led by John Cramer, PhD, and John Peleman, MD, the research is one of the first to focus on air pollution’s effects on head and neck cancers, which have been less studied compared to lung cancer. These cancers, affecting areas such as the throat, mouth, and larynx, are typically linked to smoking but now appear to be connected to pollution as well.
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Using data from the U.S. SEER cancer database from 2002 to 2012, the researchers identified a strong correlation between PM2.5 exposure and the occurrence of head and neck cancers. The greatest risk was noted five years after exposure, with the small size of PM2.5 particles allowing them to bypass natural filters in the nose and throat, potentially leading to cancer development in the upper respiratory tract.
Stella Lee, MD, a senior author from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasized the study’s importance for public health, highlighting the role of environmental pollution in these cancers and the need for policy changes. Co-author Amanda Dilger, MD, added that improving air quality is essential for reducing cancer risks.
The study serves as a call to action for strengthening air quality regulations and raising awareness about the connection between pollution and cancer. By addressing environmental health, the researchers believe public health outcomes can be improved, particularly in reducing cancer risks. This work underscores the need for further research and policy interventions to mitigate the health impacts of air pollution.
