In November 2018 researchers from the UK published their review on environmental risk factors and their impact on cancer. They stated that one study had shown environmental factors were accountable for 23% of deaths globally and for 22% of the estimated number of years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death. The researchers stated that one 2015 review had estimated the proportion of deaths attributable to air pollution was 17.1% for ischaemic heart disease, 14.2% for cerebrovascular disease, 16.5% for lung cancer, 24.7% for low respiratory infections, and 27.1% for congestive obstructive pulmonary disease. The current review estimated that environmental risk factors appeared to be accountable for 16% of cancer deaths, which rises to 36% for lung cancer.
Vineis P, Fecht D. Environment, cancer and inequalities-The urgent need for prevention. Eur J Cancer. 2018 Nov;103:317-326