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A new research study published in the journal Scientific Reports connects increased levels of particulate matter pollution to a rise in cases of head and neck aerodigestive cancer.
The publication titled “Air Pollution Exposure and Head and Neck Cancer Incidence” is the outcome of a collaboration among researchers from Wayne State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Mass General Brigham.
This investigation was spearheaded by John Cramer, Ph.D., an associate professor of otolaryngology, alongside John Peleman, M.D., a medical resident in the same department at Wayne State University School of Medicine. They worked closely with the integrated health care system, Mass General Brigham.
Cramer noted, “Previous studies have looked into air pollution, but most of the reported effects relate to cancers in the lower respiratory system. Establishing a connection to head and neck cancer has proven to be more challenging, partly due to its lower incidence compared to lung cancers. However, we wanted to investigate the potential relationship since both types of cancer can arise from smoking. We theorize that inhaling these pollutants may affect the lining of the head and neck, leading to cancer formation when carcinogens accumulate in certain areas of the body.”
Stella Lee, M.D., the senior author from the Center for Surgery and Public Health and Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasized, “While there has been extensive research on the impact of air pollutants on lung conditions, there are relatively few studies that look into how air pollution might pose a risk to the upper airway and contribute to the onset of head and neck cancer. These findings underscore the crucial influence of environmental pollution on cancers in the upper aerodigestive tract, which calls for increased awareness, further research, and measures to address the issue.”
The researchers utilized data from the national cancer database, the U.S. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), covering the years 2002 to 2012. Cramer found a significant link between particulate pollution exposure and head and neck cancer, particularly noted after a five-year waiting period. Their primary focus was on PM2.5, or particulate matter that is smaller than 2.5 microns, and its correlation with the incidence of head and neck aerodigestive cancers.
Cramer explained, “We are examining specific sizes of particulate pollution. The size of these particles matters because conventional understanding suggests that the nose and throat serve as filters before air reaches the lungs. Larger particles are filtered out, but we posit that various pollution types may affect different sections of the airways.”
Looking ahead, Cramer aims to broaden their research by integrating additional data sets. He hopes that public awareness of this study will influence policy decisions and improve cancer treatment in the future.
Co-author Amanda Dilger, M.D. from CSPH and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a part of Mass General Brigham, stated, “This study illustrates the close connection between environmental health and individual health. It stresses the importance of enhancing air quality standards to reduce cancer risks, including those for head and neck cancers.”
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