Air pollution exposure raises prostate cancer risk

The risk of prostate cancer is higher in men exposed to higher amounts of air pollution.

Scientists have called for action to tackle air pollution after research showed traffic and industrial fumes contributed to the onset of the disease that kills 12,000 men a year in the UK.

The study, based on data from 220,000 men in the UK, found that those exposed to higher levels of pollution were 6.9 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer later in life than those who were not exposed.

Boffins believes the real culprit is nitrate from car exhausts.

Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it is known that nitrogen, a vital component of nitrate, can trigger the growth of cancer cells.

Scientists from Peking University in China wrote about their discovery in the Journal of Urology: “Our findings suggest that ‘where you live’ is important, as well as ‘who you are’ (genetics) and ‘what you do’ (lifestyle).

“Our results highlight the urgent need to target sources of nitrate emissions, particularly traffic and agriculture, to reduce the disease.”