Lung Cancer Mortality and Incidence Worldwide, 1990-2010: The Impact of PM2.5 and GDP

Lung cancer incidence and mortality vary widely across countries and time, and both air pollution and economic development may change the shape of these patterns. This study investigates the relationship between fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure and lung cancer rates worldwide from 1990 to 2010 and assess how gross domestic product (GDP) per capita modifies this relationship. By compiling a panel dataset of 20 countries and employ fixed-effect regression models with lagged exposures to account for the delayed carcinogenic impact. The author finds that higher long-term PM2.5 levels are associated with significantly elevated lung cancer incidence and mortality, whereas rising GDP (an indicator of development and health resources) corresponds to lower lung cancer rates, after controlling for latent factors. These results suggest that improving air quality could reduce lung cancer burden, especially in developing regions, while economic development may facilitate health improvements. The study fills gaps in global analyses of pollution-related cancer risk and highlights policy implications for air pollution control and tobacco mitigation in reducing future lung cancer deaths.