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Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Is your daily commute increasing your lung cancer risk? Oncologist reveals startling facts
Jun 25, 2025 08:55 PM IST While smoking and tobacco use remain the leading causes of lung cancer, recent studies have linked rising air pollution and prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants as significant contributors to the increasing risk of the disease. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr Indoo Ammbulkar, director of medical oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali said, 'Air pollution alone causes up to 29% of all lung cancer deaths. The decrease in deaths due to indoor pollution has been outpaced by the significant rise in outdoor air pollution.' Also read | Lung cancer among non-smokers increases; air pollution could be culprit: Lancet report Exposure to outdoor pollution can increase lung cancer risk.(Unsplash) Dr Indoo Ammbulkar said, 'The answer is yes. Particularly if you spend long hours in traffic-congested areas with high levels of vehicular emissions. Diesel exhaust, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants from vehicles are classified as carcinogens by the World Health Organization. These microscopic particles are inhaled deep into the lungs and can damage lung tissue over time, potentially triggering mutations that lead to cancer.' Know prevention tips to follow while traveling in high AQI.(Unsplash) Air pollution is a major public health concern 'Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers. In India, where pollution levels in metropolitan areas often exceed safe limits, this becomes a major public health concern. Daily commuters whether driving cars, riding bikes, or using public transport are continually exposed to harmful pollutants, especially during peak traffic hours,' the oncologist highlighted the effect of air pollution on lung health. Also read | Impact of high AQI on lungs: Lung cancer on the rise among 'never smokers'; 3 things to do according to doctor Prevention tips to follow: 'While we cannot eliminate commuting altogether, we can reduce its health risks,' said the doctor and shared a few prevention tips to follow: Wearing high-quality, pollution-resistant masks during travel. Keeping car air filters clean and well-maintained. Opting for less congested routes or travel times when possible. Advocating for and using cleaner, eco-friendly public transport. Using indoor air purifiers to maintain better air quality at home. Scheduling regular lung health check-ups, especially for high-risk individuals. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Cancer patients in UK to get immunotherapy drugs in single injection: Is this a faster therapy?
No more IV drips, cancer patients on immunotherapy can now take the drug in a single injection. The National Health Service (NHS), UK has introduced this quicker way of administering nivolumab — a drug that targets a protein to help the immune system fight cancer better – for 15 kinds of cancer, including skin, bladder and oesophageal. Unlike the traditional hour-long IV drip, this under-the-skin injection takes just 15 minutes, sometimes as little as five minutes, for fortnightly or monthly doses. According to Dr Indoo Ammbulkar, HOD, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, the particular drug can reduce the frequency of injections, hospital visits and costs. How can the new injection be a game-changer in immunotherapy? Nivolumab is one of the important immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment, particularly for renal cell cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, urothelial, colorectal, hepatocellular carcinoma, and esophageal carcinoma. As per the CHECKMATE 67T trial, not only can it be given via a subcutaneous route, its safety profile is similar to when the drug is administered the conventional way. It has been well-tolerated with some adverse reactions like fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, rash, and cough. Largely it is efficacious and saves the patient's time and logistic issues. How does single-injection immunotherapy work? Nivolumab blocks the PD-1 protein, which is a checkpoint that can prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. By blocking PD-1, nivolumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. This is a faster way of administering the drug and helps in advanced cancers. How important is immunotherapy in cancer care? Immunotherapy has changed the scenario of cancer treatment in the last decade. In the last five years, developments have been quicker. It is not only used in advanced stages but in early stages too. For example, immunotherapy has added years to lives of patients in advanced stages of certain cancers like those of the lungs and skin. We recommend immunotherapy in early stages of lung and triple-negative breast cancers, even before surgery. If the patient shows a good pathological response, it leads to better survival chances. We will see a lot of cancer patients survive. What about costs? The cost of immunotherapy drugs continues to be high in India. Everything depends on scale. But fewer hospital visits can make the treatment journey more convenient and potentially more economical over time.
