An epidemiological analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results national cancer database showed a statistical association between fine particulate matter air pollution exposure and head and neck cancers, with the strongest correlation at a 5-year lag period.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed county-level data from 2002-2012 across 11 states, examining particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence rates using linear mixed models. The researchers found statistical associations from immediate exposure up to a 20-year lag period.
Subsite analysis showed associations for non-oropharyngeal sites, oral cavity, and laryngeal cancers. These associations remained after adjusting for demographic characteristics, smoking prevalence, and alcohol use at the county level.
The researchers used lag models analyzing periods from 0 to 20 years. PM2.5 concentrations decreased in US counties from 1981 to 2012.
Study limitations included:
- Focus on PM2.5, excluding other pollutants
- No data on viral-induced carcinogenesis (HPV in oropharynx, EBV in nasopharynx)
- Limited county-level smoking and alcohol data before 1996
- No data on occupational exposures and racial/ethnic disparities
- Ecological study design limitations
The research encompassed more than 600 counties across 11 states. The data came from California, Connecticut, Southeast Michigan, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Seattle (Puget Sound), and Utah.
The authors declared no competing interests.
