New research published in JACC: CardioOncology demonstrates that air pollution has a substantial impact on worsening cardiovascular disease and mortality in cancer patients, as well as contributing to health inequities associated with these diseases.
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Many cancer patients now have longer life expectancies due to current treatments, but survivors frequently deal with chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease.
The review underscores the critical need to consider environmental factors, especially air pollution, in cardio-oncology risk assessment and patient management.
Xiaoquan Rao, MD, PhD, Study Senior Author and Cardiologist, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College
Rao added, “By highlighting the significant role of air pollution in the cardiovascular health of cancer patients, our work aims to catalyze further research in this field and inform clinical practices and public health policies.”
Rao pointed out that while air pollution has been identified as a major risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular diseases, not much research has been done to examine its impact, particularly in cardio-oncology or the overlap of the two conditions. The desire to close that gap drove the latest study, according to Rao.
Researchers looked through publications published between 2000 and 2023 and discovered eight studies that directly investigated the joint effect of air pollution on cardiovascular disease and cancer.
They discovered that exposure to PM2.5, or fine particulates in the air, was strongly related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and death among cancer patients, and vice versa. Rao observed that air pollution appeared to affect a number of common risk factors for both cancer and cardiovascular disease, including inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
Researchers discovered that even short-term exposure to high pollution levels had a significant influence on cancer patients’ cardiovascular health.
This suggests that even temporary deteriorations in air quality can have immediate adverse effects on vulnerable populations such as cardio-oncology patients.
Xiaoquan Rao, MD, PhD, Study Senior Author and Cardiologist, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College
The research also examines how air pollution contributes to global health inequities. Disadvantaged people are exposed to greater levels of air pollution, and cancer patients with lower socioeconomic status have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality due to air pollution than the general population, according to researchers.
“More research is needed, including clinical studies, to understand the impacts of air pollution on cardiovascular disease and cancer in greater detail,” Rao stated.
Rao went on to say that the findings can assist researchers in better understanding the hazards of air pollution and identify more vulnerable individuals in cardio-oncology.
This awareness is crucial for developing tailored air pollution exposure control measures and individualized patient management strategies aimed at mitigating cardiovascular disease risks among cancer patients.
Xiaoquan Rao, MD, PhD, Study Senior Author and Cardiologist, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College
Future research will look into air pollution-related health inequalities across different forms of cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Researchers also want to assess the efficacy of environmental measures in minimizing the effects of air pollution on cardio-oncology patients.