In a recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), it has been predicted that by 2050, there will be a staggering 77% increase in cancer cases worldwide. The report identifies air pollution as one of the main contributing factors to this alarming rise in cancer rates, although its effects may vary among individuals.

According to the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, global cancer diagnoses are projected to reach 35 million by 2050, a significant jump compared to the numbers in 2022. Alongside population growth and longer life expectancy, air pollution is highlighted as a major driver of this increase in cancer rates.

Dr. Emmanuel Ricard, a spokesperson for the French League Against Cancer, emphasized the role of fine particle pollution in this concerning trend. Diesel exhaust, in particular, is identified as a significant source of these particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause dysfunction in cells. The body's defense cells try to eliminate these particles, leading to inflammation, disruption of healthy cell replication, and the development of cancerous cells.

However, it is crucial to note that not all factors contributing to the rising cancer rates are related to pollution. Population growth and longer life expectancy also play a role in the increase. Immunity decline with age is identified as another significant factor, making the aging population more susceptible to cancer.

The report also addresses the improvement in cancer diagnosis, leading to the detection of cases that may have gone undetected in the past. Moreover, there are instances of "overdiagnosis," where the presence of cancer cells is incorrectly interpreted as cancer itself.

While pollution's link to cancer is still being confirmed, several studies suggest its negative impact on overall health, including mental health and even depression.

It is crucial to prioritize awareness and action in combating cancer, according to Catherine Hill, a French epidemiologist. She reminds us that pollution, though a factor, is far less significant in causing cancer compared to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Smoking and drinking remain the leading causes of cancer in France, with pollution accounting for 50 times less cases compared to tobacco and 20 times less compared to alcohol, as stated by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Dr. Ricard highlights that a comprehensive understanding of cancer risk factors involves considering multiple factors. Just as the combined impact of tobacco and alcohol on lung cancer is significant, genes impacted by cigarettes and atmospheric pollution have been identified in lung cancer cases.

The report also sheds light on the geographical disparities in pollution-related cancer risks. Residents in highly polluted areas such as the big cities of China, India, South America, Antananarivo, and even Cairo are more susceptible to lung cancer, reminiscent of the industrial revolution in England. Developing economies often become the "dumping grounds" for pollution, with inferior quality oil derivatives being sold to these regions.

The report serves as a wake-up call, signaling an epidemiological transition for countries that previously faced infectious diseases but will soon confront rising cancer rates similar to Western countries. Efforts to improve air quality, such as those seen in France, have shown positive results in reducing cardiovascular diseases, strokes, heart attacks, and cancers. However, it is concerning that economically disadvantaged populations are disproportionately exposed to air pollution and face higher risks of deaths due to long-term exposure.

Xavier Briffault, a researcher in social sciences and epistemology of mental health at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), sees the potential for an ecological wake-up call. By highlighting the direct correlation between health and environmental degradation, science can drive ecological awareness with public health concerns. This shift highlights the urgent need for environmental protection and emphasizes the message to policymakers that pollution is not only detrimental to the planet but also poses a severe threat to human lives.

The WHO report underscores the urgent need for global action to address air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health. It serves as a reminder that pollution is not just an abstract concept, but a real and immediate danger that is affecting our well-being and increasing the risk of cancer.