Medical experts in China forecast that the country will experience an increase in lung cancer patients, totaling over 800,000 patients by 2020. It was also estimated that 700,000 people will die from the diseases every year, China Daily reported.
"The rapid increase of the disease will last for at least 20 years," said Zhi Xiuyi, head of the Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Capital Medical University, Beijing.
Since 2000, lung cancer has been one of the prevalent health problems in the country. Deteriorating air quality, the habit of smoking, as well as an aging population are known contributing factors. Lung cancer is also considered as the top killer in the country among cancer types, killing 600,000 patients a year.
The World Health Organization has also recorded the dire situation in China, stating that the country has the highest lung cancer prevalence and death rate in the world.
It's a stark contrast to western countries, where lung cancer prevalence and related death are steadily declining.
As a means to combat the frightening situation, the Chinese government has implemented a couple of health initiatives aimed to cut down smoking. However, Zhi said that air quality must be addressed as well.
Exposure to PM2.5 particles is known to cause major health risks, especially with continuous exposure, said Shi Yuankai, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital.
PM2.5 particles go straight to the alveoli of lungs, remaining there for a long period of time. It is unclear, however, how the smog directly harms the lungs. To remedy this, experts encourage more research, which would also cause the development of interventions.