Delhi doctors warn rising GI cancers in teens may be linked to air pollution
Medical experts at a Delhi conference highlighted an increase in gastrointestinal cancers among patients as young as 15 and called for Indian research into the role of PM2.5 and ground-level ozone.
During an international conference on colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, doctors from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said they are now seeing patients as young as 15 with GI cancers, a trend not common five years ago. While global research links long-term exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide and ozone with increased cancer mortality, the experts cautioned that these studies only show associations.
They emphasized the need for India-focused studies, better monitoring of pollutants like ground-level ozone, and more comprehensive cancer data. Panelists also highlighted the importance of early symptom recognition, genetic and lifestyle factors, and multidisciplinary care. The Union Health Secretary attended, underscoring the call for coordinated prevention and early-diagnosis efforts across the country.
Why it matters
Understanding any link between air pollution and early-onset GI cancers could shape public-health policies and protect vulnerable populations.
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