Delhi doctors flag pollution link as GI cancer cases surge in youth

Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have documented gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients as young as 15 years old in Delhi, prompting fresh scrutiny of environmental factors in disease development. The observations were highlighted during an international conference on colorectal and other GI cancers held at the hospital on October 10-11, organised in collaboration with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust of the United Kingdom.

Emerging international research has established associations between long-term exposure to air pollutants—particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone—and elevated cancer risk. However, medical experts have cautioned that these findings demonstrate correlation rather than direct causation, and do not conclusively explain the uptick in younger patients diagnosed with GI cancers in Indian cities.

Dr D S Rana, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital's Trust Society, noted that the international collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening medical expertise and research capabilities. The partnership aims to enhance understanding of cancer epidemiology in India while leveraging best practices from leading international institutions.

Medical professionals have emphasised the need for India-specific epidemiological research to better understand the potential role of air pollution in cancer development among the country's younger populations. Such studies could inform public health policy and preventive strategies tailored to India's environmental and demographic conditions.