Where a man lives may play a significant role in his risk of developing prostate cancer, according to new research that links air pollution to the disease.
The study suggests that men living in densely populated inner-city areas or near busy roads face a higher likelihood of developing prostate cancer, prompting experts to call for urgent measures to curb air pollution. Traffic emissions and industrial fumes are believed to contribute to the disease, which claims the lives of around 12,000 men in the UK each year.
Analyzing health data from more than 220,000 men across Britain, researchers found that those exposed to higher levels of air pollution were nearly 7 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer later in life compared to men living in cleaner environments.
Scientists identified nitrate (NO₃), a pollutant largely produced by vehicle exhausts, as a key factor. Although the exact biological process remains unclear, nitrogen – a major component of nitrate – is already known to encourage the growth of cancer cells.
Previous research into prostate cancer and pollution has mainly focused on fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles, far thinner than a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and originate from vehicle emissions, industrial and agricultural activities, as well as the burning of household fuels.
In this latest study, researchers went a step further by examining five major components of PM2.5, including nitrate. Using data from around 224,000 men with an average age of 58, participants were followed for nearly 14 years. During this period, about 5 per cent were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Pollution exposure levels were estimated using residential postcodes, allowing researchers to link long-term environmental exposure to cancer risk. The findings showed a modest but clear association between air pollution and prostate cancer, with nitrate having the strongest impact.
Publishing their findings in the Journal of Urology, researchers from Peking University in China emphasized that environmental factors are as important as genetics and lifestyle. They concluded that targeted efforts to reduce nitrate emissions – particularly from traffic and agricultural sources – are urgently needed to help lower prostate cancer risk.
