AIRCARE Study Reveals New Links Between Pollution and Lung Cancer

AIIMS-Delhi has embarked on a groundbreaking study known as the AIRCARE project, focusing on the correlation between air pollution and the risk of developing lung cancer. Led by Dr. Abhishek Shankar, this research explores the impact of fine particulate matter 2.5 on health, marking a first-of-its-kind study in India.

Dr. Shankar emphasized the urgent need for such research, noting India's notorious reputation for housing some of the world's most polluted cities. The study aims to contribute crucial evidence on how air pollution impacts health, particularly lung cancer, amongst non-smokers.

The ambitious AIRCARE study involves examining 1,615 lung cancer cases alongside equal controls from family members in Delhi-NCR. It includes both clinical and non-clinical aspects, aiming to track PM 2.5 exposure effects and search for an Indian population-specific genetic imprint linked to lung cancer development.