A new report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reveals that air pollution is causing over 1,100 new lung cancer cases in the UK each year. In 2022, exposure to toxic air led to 515 men and 590 women developing adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
The UK’s pollution-related lung cancer rate is higher than in the US and Canada and four times higher than Finland, which has the lowest rates in northern Europe. Paula Chadwick, CEO of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, called the findings “shocking”, urging immediate government action. “Without decisive measures to reduce air pollution, lung cancer cases will keep rising,” she warned.
A Global Crisis with UK-Specific Risks
Air pollution caused 200,000 adenocarcinoma cases worldwide in 2022, according to IARC. The UK’s rates are lower than China’s—the global leader in pollution-linked lung cancer—but remain a major concern.
Lucy Clark from Cancer Research UK stressed that tackling air pollution is as crucial as fighting traditional cancer risks like smoking. “Reducing air pollution is key to safeguarding public health and improving life expectancy,” she stated.
Dr. Helen Croker of the World Cancer Research Fund called for coordinated efforts to curb toxic air exposure. Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, criticized government policies, including the approval of a new Heathrow runway, saying it will worsen air quality. “Such decisions expose future generations to toxic air,” she warned.
Demands for Cleaner Air and Stronger Policies
Adenocarcinoma now accounts for 70% of lung cancer cases among non-smokers, showing the growing role of environmental factors. Andrew Haines of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine called for urgent action. “Reducing air pollution must be a government priority,” he urged.
In response, the UK government pledged to strengthen its clean air strategy. A spokesperson confirmed a review of the Environmental Improvement Plan to meet air quality targets. However, campaigners like Livi Elsmore from the Healthy Air Coalition argue that stronger and immediate action is needed to protect public health and ensure cleaner air for future generations.
