Lung cancer in Romania: new data on pollution link. Study published by Dr. Beatrice Mahler in Springer Nature

Lung cancer remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the leading cause of cancer mortality. While smoking is the main etiological factor, growing evidence points to a significant impact of air pollution, explaining the rising number of lung cancers among non-smokers.

Pulmonologist Dr. Beatrice Mahle announced the publication of a new study in Springer Nature. The research analyzed lung cancer incidence and mortality in Romania between 1999 and 2022.

“Our research aims to serve as a relevant analytical tool for the scientific community and decision-makers, to help identify high-risk areas and support the development of effective prevention and intervention measures. The retrospective analysis of data collected in Romania between 1999 and 2022 shows that men over the age of 50 living in urban areas have a higher risk of lung cancer. Seventy-five percent of deaths were also recorded among them, highlighting a gender imbalance in the disease’s impact, probably linked in part to the higher prevalence of smoking among men compared to women,” explained Dr. Mahler.

Key findings

Men over 50 living in urban areas face the highest risk; 75% of deaths occurred among them.

Two major waves of incidence were detected: the first around 1999 (ages 60–69), the second around 2010 (ages 50–59).

A significant spatial correlation was found between lung cancer mortality and PM2.5 air pollution (Cramer’s V = 0.239), indicating that roughly 24% of deaths could be partially attributed to air quality.

Elevated radon levels overlap with high-incidence regions, confirming its contribution as a secondary risk factor.

Chronic exposure to toxic airborne agents may lead to cancer with a latency of 10–30 years, highlighting the urgent need for pollution control and targeted screening.

Study summary

The Springer Nature paper, “Spatio-temporal assessment of lung cancer incidence and mortality in Romania (1999–2022)”, integrates national oncological data with environmental pollution indicators. Using spatio-temporal regression and clustering models, the study identifies high-risk regions, particularly in the industrialized south and east of Romania, and calls for a national predictive cancer-risk map and stronger air-quality policies.

References:

Mahler, B. et al. (2025). The Impact of Environmental Contamination on Lung Cancer Incidence in Romania. In: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2025_1241