Air pollution increasing cancer risk? AIIMS-led study to probe

New Delhi: With rising concern over lung cancer among non-smokers, an AIIMS-led research project is set to closely examine how polluted air, especially fine particles known as PM2.5, may be increasing cancer risk in India.The study, called Air Pollution and Cancer Research Ecosystem, will be led by Dr Abhishek Shankar from the department of radiation oncology at AIIMS. It aims to generate scientific evidence on how long-term exposure to air pollution affects lung health.Over 3,200 people from Delhi-NCR will be part of the study. Researchers will track participants over time to understand how polluted air interacts with other risk factors such as smoking, workplace exposure and genetics.Doctors say the focus on non-smokers is crucial, as a growing number of lung cancer cases are now being reported in people with no history of tobacco use.One of the key goals of the project is to develop a risk-based screening model. This will combine pollution exposure data with medical and personal risk factors to identify people who may be at higher risk of developing lung cancer, allowing earlier detection.The study will also look at biological markers—early warning signals in the body—to understand how polluted air may trigger cancer at a cellular level. It will pay special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.Public health experts say the findings could have wide implications not just for treatment but also for prevention. By linking air quality directly to cancer risk, the study could help shape screening guidelines and influence policies aimed at reducing pollution exposure.