The increase in air pollution, hormonal levels and imbalances in the immune system are making the risk of the disease even more significant.
Cases of lung cancer are increasing in people who have never smoked, especially among women, according to a new study by the World Health Organization Specialized Cancer Agency (WHO).
The results, published in Lancet respiratory medicine, reveal that adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer among non -smokers, is responsible for almost 60% of cases of illness in women compared to 45% in men.
About 2.5 million new cases of lung cancer have been diagnosed all over the world by 2022 – with an increase of 300,000 since 2020. The study suggests that environmental factors, in particular air pollution, as well as genetic predisposition e Immunological responses could increase this increase in unforgettable lung cancer.
One of the most significant risk factors for lung cancer in non -smoking are genetic mutations, in particular mutations in the EGFR gene. This gene provides instructions for the production of a protein on the surface of the cells involved in growth and division.
The mutations in this gene lead to an uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth. They are found in 50% of lung adenocarcinomas in non-smoking Asian women and in 19% of cases in non-smoking western women compared to a percentage of 10-20% in non-smokers.
Progress in genetic tests have facilitated the detection of these mutations. However, greater exposure to air pollution, which is known to trigger mutations in the EGFR gene, could also contribute to its growing prevalence.
Other genetic changes that guide the growth of cancer include mutations in the Alk and Ross1 genes, which are found in about 5% of cases of lung cancer in non -smoking. These mutations are observed more frequently in young non -smoking women, especially in Asia. Fortunately, improved screening programs, especially in the countries of Eastern Asia, help to detect these mutations more often.
The mutations of TP53, a gene of suppression of the crucial gene, also seem to be more commonly found in non -smokers than in men. This gene prevents cells from becoming carcinogenic and its mutation leads to cell growth out of control. The Strogen hormone can interact with TP53 mutations, increasing the probability of development of lung cancer in women over time.
Another gene that is worth mentioning is Kras. Mutations in this gene are generally associated with smoke lung cancer. But they are increasingly found in non -smokers, especially in women.
Recent studies suggest that exposure to microscopic particles present in the air or PM2.5 (therefore calls because they are 2.5 micromes or not), can be responsible for these mutations in non -smoking women.
Since the levels of PM2.5 continue to increase in many cities, exposure to these particles can be another factor that contributes not only to lung cancer, but also to other tumors in women.
In addition to genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations can influence cancer growth in women. Estrogen receptors are found in lung fabric and experimental studies suggest estrogen to promote cancer growth. Studies show that women who perform hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) have a lower risk of lung cancer compared to women who do not suffer motering therapy, suggesting that natural estrogen cycles can offer a certain level of protection.
Chronic inflammation
In addition to genetics and hormones, chronic inflammation can also explain why lung cancer is increasing among non -smokers.
Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men and problems with the immune system can play a role in cancer. Persistent inflammation can cause repeated damage to the tissues, leading to DNA changes and promoting abnormal cell growth, which increases the risk of cancer.
Women with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, have more possibilities to have lung cancer, probably due to prolonged inflammation in the lungs. Inflammatory molecules, such as interleucine-6 ​​and the necrosis factor of alpha cancer, exacerbate carcinoma, helping cancer cells to survive and diffusion.
Autoimmune diseases have increased globally, probably due to environmental changes, food changes and changes in the intestinal microbiota (the constellation of microorganisms that live in the intestine and play an important role in our health). Since women are influenced in an disproportionate way by autoimmune diseases, they can be more vulnerable to cancer caused by chronic inflammation.
With the increase in life expectancy, more women are accumulating years of activation of the immune system, which leads to a greater risk of developing the inflammation related lung cancer. In addition, factors such as pollution, chemicals related to home and work -related exhibitions can worsen the problems of the immune system, further increasing the risk of cancer.
A long time ago, air pollution has been recognized as a significant factor in the risk of lung cancer, but new tests suggest that women can be particularly vulnerable. Studies show that the anatomy of women and the lung function make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants. The female lungs are smaller than men, with tighter airways, which can make particles like PM2.5 more fine, remain blocked in their lungs.
In addition, estrogen has been shown to amplifies inflammatory responses if exposed to pollutants, potentially making lung tissue more inclined to damage that can lead to lung cancer.
Women are more exposed to air pollution than men, but in a different way. While men usually face work pollution in factories, women spend more time in closed environments, where toxic cuisine and heating smoke are more common.
Domestic air pollution, in particular from materials such as wood, coal and kerosene, can increase the risk of lung cancer. Women who work in places such as textile factories, beauty salons and hospitals are also more exposed to harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs. In rapidly expanding cities, women usually find themselves in areas with a lot of traffic and industrial pollution.
More significant
Women are biologically more likely than men to develop some genetic mutations that increase the risk of lung cancer. However, factors such as an increase in pollution, changes in hormonal levels, imbalances in the immune system and higher life expectancy are making these risks even more significant.
Recent research suggests that the HPV virus can also contribute to lung cancer in women, highlighting the need for further preventive studies and measures.
Understanding the functions of immunological, hormonal, genetic and viral factors is essential to detect pulmonary cancer, creating more effective treatments and develop better forms of prevention.
*Pinar Uysal-NongaNer is a professor of molecular biology at the University of Westminster in London.
This entry was originally published on the academic news website The conversation and republished here with a Creative Commons license. Read the original version here (in English).
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
