Microplastics Detected in 66% of Lung Cancer Patients

Researchers found that lung cancer patients were more likely than other patients undergoing lung testing to have detectable microplastics in their lungs, but the observational study does not show that the particles cause cancer. Scientists say diseased lungs may retain microplastics differently, and they are calling for longer-term and mechanistic studies to determine whether the particles contribute to inflammation or cancer development. Lung cancer is also increasingly affecting people who have never smoked, with air pollution, household and occupational exposures, and genetic factors identified as possible contributors; many of these patients have adenocarcinomas with potentially treatable mutations such as EGFR or ALK. Separately, a global policy report urges health systems, including India’s, to build equitable lung-cancer screening programs based on local risk profiles, targeted outreach, integration with broader public-health efforts, and existing medical infrastructure.