Environmental Risks and Morphological Features of Carcinogenesis in the Population of an Industrial City

Introduction: The leading role of environmental factors and occupational hazards in the development of respiratory cancers determines the relevance of studying regional characteristics of carcinogenesis in the population of an industrial city.

Objective: To establish environmental risks and morphological features of the development of malignant tumors with an emphasis on bronchopulmonary histology in the population of the city of Novokuznetsk.

Materials and Methods: Individual carcinogenic risk was determined using data on average annual pollutant concentrations in Novokuznetsk for 2018–2022. We analyzed morbidity and mortality from malignant neoplasms of the lungs and bronchi among Kuzbass residents during that period and conducted morphological studies of autopsy specimens from the bronchopulmonary system of 50 Novokuznetsk miners, 12 of whom were diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Results: In 2018–2022, ambient benzo(a)pyrene and formaldehyde levels in Novokuznetsk exceeded their permissible limits. Elevated concentrations of harmful carcinogenic air contaminants posed alarming risks to public health. During those years, an increase in lung and bronchial cancer cases was observed among Kuzbass residents, primarily men. As of 2022, 74 % of individuals diagnosed with lung and bronchial cancer were considered conditionally resectable or inoperable at initial diagnosis. In Novokuznetsk, high morbidity and mortality rates were typical for individuals over 50 years of age, with the one-year fatality rate from lung and bronchial cancer reaching 46.1 %. High activity of fibroblastic cells with malignant potential was detected in the areas of pulmonary fibrosis in Novokuznetsk miners. This suggests that fibrosis associated with long-term exposure to coal dust may trigger tumor growth.

Conclusion: Our findings substantiate the need for a comprehensive set of measures aimed to manage carcinogenic risks posed by environmental and occupational factors.

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