Retrospective Study on Lung Cancer Prediction: Assessing the Link Between Air Pollution and Cancer Patients.

Abstract

Introduction:

Lung cancer continues to be a significant global public health issue, with smoking recognized as the key contributing cause. Still, the specific impacts of different environmental and occupational exposures are still not well understood. The objective of this study was to thoroughly examine the correlation between air pollution and individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in the specified area.

Methods:

A comprehensive analysis was performed on the medical records of 1000 individuals diagnosed with lung cancer datasets.  The medical records of patients who were 18 years or older at the time of diagnosis and had undergone histological analysis to confirm primary lung cancer were reviewed. Records were eliminated based on three criteria: if the patient's residential address was located outside of Delhi, if the pack-years smoked information was missing, or if the data on important exposure characteristics were lacking. Demographic information, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, symptoms, and exposure history to air contaminants were obtained. The risk factors were examined using chi-square testing, ANOVA, and Bayesian regression while accounting for confounding variables.

Results:

The average age was 37.17 years, with a higher number of males. 40% of the participants reported smoking, while 37% had occupational exposure to dust or fumes. The symptoms reported by the patients were cough (44%), chest pain (41%), and dyspnea (42%). A significant proportion of individuals, specifically 38% and 24% respectively, experienced elevated levels of air pollutants in outdoor and interior environments. Statistically significant correlations were found between exposure to air pollution and the occurrence of lung cancer, even after accounting for the effects of smoking and occupational risks. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution was found to be associated with more severe illness. Exposed subgroups also had a high prevalence of chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Conclusion:

The study presents evidence of a separate connection between air pollution and the chance of developing lung cancer in the community, in addition to the impact of active smoking. Prolonged residential exposure has been identified as a crucial factor

in determining the severity of the disease. Local areas with elevated lung cancer rates may be attributed to a multipollutant causal pathway, which goes beyond the impact of smoking alone. Enforcing stricter emission standards and adopting programs to promote cleaner fuel usage could effectively reduce the prevalence of diseases.