Wildfire Smoke is more toxic in comparison with normal air pollution. It contains traces of chemicals, metals and other synthetic materials in addition to soil and biological materials. A California study has been presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago which suggested that expsoure to wildfire Smoke may increase lung cancer patients’ risk of dying from lung cancer. The researchers have tracked over 18,000 people with non-small cell lung cancer between 2017 and 2020. They found that those people who were living in neighborhoods with highest levels of wildfire-caused air pollution in the year and they were more likely to die from cancer. They also found that people with advanced stage four lung cancer who had never smoked were the most affected. Their risk of dying from cancer was 55% higher if they were exposed to high levels of wildfire air pollution.
In this study, the researchers utilized advanced modeling to estimate daily air quality at home addresses of patients, based on data from satellites, weather models, air quality monitors and smoke forecasts. It was also found that wildfire Smoke Exposure did not significantly affect survival of patients with Stage 4 lung cancer with history of smoking and have been treated with immunotherapy drug. “This surprising trend suggests that smoke-related changes in the body may interact with certain treatments,” and more study of this phenomenon is warranted, the researchers said.
As wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense in California and other parts of U.S., targeted health strategies are required to protect lung cancer patients and others with serious health issues.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical needs.
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