How Climate Change Affects Cancer Risk

Climate change is indirectly increasing the risk of certain cancers by influencing environmental and behavioral factors:

• Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), often a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion and wildfires, has been linked to higher risks of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Depletion of the ozone layer leads to stronger UV rays, raising the risk of skin cancers like melanoma.

• Water and Soil Contaminants: Flooding and industrial runoff can increase human exposure to cancer-causing agents like arsenic, pesticides, and heavy metals.

• Food Insecurity and Malnutrition: Changes in agriculture can lead to poor diets, which may increase cancer risk over time, especially for gastrointestinal cancers.

Challenges for Cancer Treatment and Care

Climate-related events are also disrupting cancer care in more direct ways:

1. Extreme Weather Interrupts Treatment

• Hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves can close hospitals or delay access to essential services like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries.

• Power outages may shut down diagnostic tools or refrigeration units for storing medications.

2. Medication Supply Chains at Risk

• Transportation disruptions can delay drug deliveries or result in shortages of life-saving medications.

• Some cancer therapies require cold-chain storage, which becomes vulnerable during climate-induced power failures.

3. Displacement and Access Issues

• Wildfires and rising sea levels are displacing populations, forcing patients to travel long distances for care or interrupting ongoing treatments.

• Low-income or rural communities may face worsened access to screening and follow-up care during emergencies.

Vulnerable Populations Are at Greater Risk

Patients who are already medically vulnerable—like those undergoing chemotherapy or living with advanced cancers—may suffer more during heatwaves or disasters. For instance:

• Cancer treatments can compromise thermoregulation, making patients more susceptible to heat stress.

• Respiratory conditions common among cancer patients can worsen with poor air quality.

Communities with fewer resources or weak healthcare infrastructure often experience greater disruptions, deepening health inequalities.

Adapting Cancer Care to a Changing Climate

To keep up with environmental changes, cancer care systems need to become more resilient and adaptable. Steps include:

• Emergency Preparedness Plans for oncology centers

• Telehealth to maintain continuity of care during disasters

• Sustainable healthcare infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather

• Better surveillance systems to track environmental carcinogens and their impact on public health

What You Can Do

While large-scale change requires government and institutional action, individuals can:

• Stay informed about local air and water quality

• Use sun protection and limit exposure to UV radiation

• Support sustainable and eco-conscious policies

• Maintain regular health screenings, especially if living in high-risk areas