Lung cancer in Asia: the impact of climate change

The escalating global threat of climate change is becoming more evident. The climate crisis intersects with another major challenge: lung cancer. With Asia already bearing half the global cancer burden, the impact of climate-related events on health and on lung cancer care specifically are profound. There can potentially be critical implications on the overall landscape of lung cancer care-from screening and early detection, to management and treatment. In 2022, the deadliest flooding events occurred in India and Pakistan. Extreme weather events such as cyclones and typhoons cause damage to healthcare facilities and disrupt transportation networks. These impede access to vital treatments, causing delays, thus worsening patients' conditions. Most low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have disparities in healthcare infrastructure, resources, and workforce distribution that result in limited access to comprehensive care. This fragmented healthcare system in many Asian countries pose additional challenges. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial for minimizing these impacts on cancer care. Addressing this complex interplay demands urgent, collaborative, and multidisciplinary efforts to safeguard healthcare and ensure access to uninterrupted care amid climate-related challenges.