NEW DELHI: Air pollution may increase the risk of heart disease and death among cancer patients, increasing the health disparities experienced by this patient population, according to a new study.
The study reviewed eight papers published between 2000 and 2023 that looked at the direct effects of air pollution on cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, and cancer. The review included more than 110 million participants.
Researchers have found that exposure to fine fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution weakens the body’s detoxification and defences against inflammation, which are common risk factors for both cancer and cardiovascular disease.
“Air pollution plays an undeniable role in the field of cardio-oncology,” wrote the authors, who included researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China.
Even short-term exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution can rapidly affect the heart health of cancer patients, according to researchers. The findings are published in CardioOncology, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).
“This suggests that even a temporary deterioration in air quality can have immediate adverse effects on vulnerable populations such as cardiac tumor patients,” said lead author Xiaoquan Rao, a cardiologist at Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
Air pollution also exacerbates health inequities around the world, as disadvantaged groups are exposed to higher levels of air pollution and their cancer patients are at higher risk of heart disease and death compared to the general population, the researchers said.
According to the authors, although air pollution is recognised as a significant risk factor for both heart disease and cancer, this study aimed to clarify the impact of air pollution in cardio-oncology, or the overlap between the two diseases, an area where very little research has been carried out.
Air pollution is estimated to cause about 100 times more deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries, and is responsible for more than 65% of all cancer deaths and 70% of all cardiovascular disease deaths, the study authors said.
Environmental factors are important in understanding risk and patient management in cardio-oncology, and the findings may help identify people who are more vulnerable to risk, Rao said.
“This awareness is crucial for developing customized air pollution exposure control measures and individualized patient management strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risk in cancer patients,” Rao said.
The authors also outlined potential interventions aimed at reducing the adverse effects of exposure to air pollution, including recommendations to society and governments.
Published June 19, 2024 09:12 IST