Ambient Air Pollution and Cancer: An Umbrella Review
1
Department Of Biotherapy, Cancer Center And State Key Laboratory Of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China, Chengdu, China
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Air pollution is a significant global public health issue, with particulate matter (PM) exposure notably linked to lung cancer. However, its associations with other cancers remain inadequately summarized. This study comprehensively reviews existing meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and multiple cancer risks.
METHODS:
We conducted systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 10, 2024. Eligible studies assessed associations between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx) and cancer risks. Data were reanalyzed using random-effects models. Methodological quality was assessed via AMSTAR 2, statistical credibility was determined using an evidence classification system, and the quality of evidence was rated through the GRADE method.
RESULTS:
In total, 63 meta-analyses covering 140 unique outcomes were analyzed. Elevated PM2.5 and PM10 significantly increased cancer risks, particularly lung (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23 per 10 μg/m³ PM2.5) and kidney cancers. NO₂ exposure correlated with increased risks for lung (RR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08) and brain cancers (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05). Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) significantly increased risks for lung cancer (RR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.42-2.59), breast cancer (RR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.40-1.76), bladder cancer (RR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.05), and colorectal cancer (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.24).
CONCLUSIONS:
Our study reinforces the strong association between air pollution and lung cancer risk and provides initial evidence linking air pollutants to additional cancers including breast, brain, and urinary and digestive system cancers. However, evidence for these additional cancers remains preliminary and requires further validation. Strengthening pollution control policies is crucial for addressing these health disparities.
Air pollution is a significant global public health issue, with particulate matter (PM) exposure notably linked to lung cancer. However, its associations with other cancers remain inadequately summarized. This study comprehensively reviews existing meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and multiple cancer risks.
METHODS:
We conducted systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 10, 2024. Eligible studies assessed associations between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx) and cancer risks. Data were reanalyzed using random-effects models. Methodological quality was assessed via AMSTAR 2, statistical credibility was determined using an evidence classification system, and the quality of evidence was rated through the GRADE method.
RESULTS:
In total, 63 meta-analyses covering 140 unique outcomes were analyzed. Elevated PM2.5 and PM10 significantly increased cancer risks, particularly lung (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23 per 10 μg/m³ PM2.5) and kidney cancers. NO₂ exposure correlated with increased risks for lung (RR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08) and brain cancers (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05). Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) significantly increased risks for lung cancer (RR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.42-2.59), breast cancer (RR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.40-1.76), bladder cancer (RR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.05), and colorectal cancer (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.24).
CONCLUSIONS:
Our study reinforces the strong association between air pollution and lung cancer risk and provides initial evidence linking air pollutants to additional cancers including breast, brain, and urinary and digestive system cancers. However, evidence for these additional cancers remains preliminary and requires further validation. Strengthening pollution control policies is crucial for addressing these health disparities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
