AIIMS-Delhi is studying the relationship between air pollution, particularly particulate matter 2.5, and the risk of developing lung cancer. The AIRCARE study, which the institute claims is the first of its kind, is being led by Dr Abhishek Shankar, assistant professor of radiation oncology at AIIMS. Dr. Shankar said that as air pollution remains a serious public health concern, research is needed to inform policy and disease management. He said India is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world and there is an urgent need to scientifically look at the effects of pollution on people’s health. “Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in India, and the number of lung cancers among women and young adults who are non-smokers is higher,” said Dr. Shankar. Air pollution has emerged as a contributing factor to lung cancer, but more evidence is needed from India on this issue, he said. Dr. Shankar said, “It is extremely worrying that lung cancer, once thought to be a disease mostly associated with tobacco smokers, is now increasing rapidly among non-smokers.” The AirCare study will study 1,615 lung cancer cases with 1,615 controls from family members in Delhi-NCR. The study is a complex undertaking that includes both clinical and non-clinical components, Dr. Shankar said. One aspect of the study will be to employ both a cohort and case-control design to track the effects of chronic PM 2.5 exposure on lung cancer across demographic and socio-economic groups, he said. Another aspect of the study is to discover a unique genetic signature in the Indian population exposed to air pollution. Dr. Shankar said that simply put, the study will attempt to isolate the Indian population-specific genetic imprint to see whether a particular early genetic event following exposure to air pollution leads to the development of lung cancer later in life. With the data, researchers will develop a risk-based screening model based on both clinical and molecular components specific to the Indian population and risk levels. He said it would also identify susceptible populations among the group, including those at higher risk of developing lung cancer. Dr. Shankar said, “Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men in India and the fourth most common type for both genders. There is an urgent need to implement policy and management strategies to tackle this disease and reduce loss of life.”