Protection of lungs key to healthy life: Oncologist

Healthy lungs means better chances of quality long life and a cancer specialist who has been dealing with forms and phases of one of the scariest preventable diseases worldwide, has cautioned again that while quitting tobacco addiction is a solution, trashing away all contaminants are among the other measures towards wellness and longevity.

On whether the lungs are the most fragile of the vital organs, NMC Royal Hospital (Sharjah) Medical Oncology consultant Dr. Abdul Rahman Agha El Kinge described these as “not the weakest, but are certainly among the most vulnerable because unlike the heart or liver which are tucked away and protected, the lungs are in constant contact with the outside world.”

Such is the case because “every breath we take brings in not just oxygen, but also pollutants, allergens, infections, and unfortunately carcinogens from smoking.”

Which points to the question on whether it is still possible for all ages – from the unborn child to the elderly – to be spared from lung diseases amidst the reality of continuous rapid modernisation which has led to unstoppable urbanisation resulting in overcrowding.

“Urbanisation and modernisation have changed the air we breathe. Today, our lungs, and the lungs of our children, face challenges like never before,” El Kinge replied, pointing out that risk factors to lifelong lung diseases and cancers are air pollution from traffic and industry, indoor pollutants from modern homes, smoking cigarettes, and reduced physical activity.

He pointed out that prevention is the key: “It starts with prevention at every level. For expectant mothers, avoiding smoking and polluted environments is critical. For families, creating smoke-free homes and improving indoor air quality makes a huge difference.”

The practising oncologist for over 17 years was interviewed since September 25 has been designated as “World Lung Day” by the 100,000-strong Forum of International Respiratory Societies since eight years back.

The umbrella organisation of the likes of Global Initiative for Asthma, American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society, has been alarmed by the increasing worldwide incidences of respiratory ailments like asthma (260 million with over 450,000 deaths every year), lung cancers (2.5 million new cases in 2022 alone), and Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (456.4 million as of early 2025).

Going back to the prevention phase, El Kinge said: “As an oncologist, these steps are not just about breathing easier. They are about reducing cancer risk. Most lung cancers are linked to preventable factors like smoking and pollution.”

He cited that as of 2021 and in the USA alone, according to an American College of Cardiology study, “around 50 per cent of active smokers with lung cancer continue to smoke even after diagnosis.” Meaning, continually seriously affected are also those around them, due to “secondhand smoke” which health experts and advocates have been warning about, for decades.

On the UAE side and over the past five years, El Kinge noted that lung cancer “remains to be one of the most serious cancer threats while not the most diagnosed, ranking about sixth in overall incidence; one of the deadliest, responsible for the second highest number of cancer-related deaths.”

Lung cancer is more prevalent among men nationwide, “diagnosed at an advanced stage and despite improvements in cancer care, early detection and prevention remain critical.”

Similar situations have been happening “in other regions and we have seen a slight uptick driven by changing smoking patterns and rising air pollution.”

In connection to the eighth year theme of “World Lung Day” which is “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life,” El Kinge said: “Healthy lungs do not only help us breathe. They help us live longer and lower our cancer risk.”

“Urbanisation does not have to mean unhealthy lungs. It means we need to be smarter and more pro-active. Healthy lungs today mean a healthier, cancer-resistant population tomorrow; an active lifestyle, keeping up with the routine medical check-ups and vaccinations such as against influenza and pneumococcal issues since respiratory infections can set lung health back significantly,” added El Kinge who, in his “clinical years” was inspired to be an oncologist by an Oncology professor who had shown him that “Medicine is not science but all about human connection.”

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Healthy lungs means better chances of quality long life and a cancer specialist who has been dealing with forms and phases of one of the scariest preventable diseases worldwide, has cautioned again that while quitting tobacco addiction is a solution, trashing away all contaminants are among the other measures towards wellness and longevity.

On whether the lungs are the most fragile of the vital organs, NMC Royal Hospital (Sharjah) Medical Oncology consultant Dr. Abdul Rahman Agha El Kinge described these as “not the weakest, but are certainly among the most vulnerable because unlike the heart or liver which are tucked away and protected, the lungs are in constant contact with the outside world.”

Such is the case because “every breath we take brings in not just oxygen, but also pollutants, allergens, infections, and unfortunately carcinogens from smoking.”

Which points to the question on whether it is still possible for all ages – from the unborn child to the elderly – to be spared from lung diseases amidst the reality of continuous rapid modernisation which has led to unstoppable urbanisation resulting in overcrowding.

“Urbanisation and modernisation have changed the air we breathe. Today, our lungs, and the lungs of our children, face challenges like never before,” El Kinge replied, pointing out that risk factors to lifelong lung diseases and cancers are air pollution from traffic and industry, indoor pollutants from modern homes, smoking cigarettes, and reduced physical activity.

He pointed out that prevention is the key: “It starts with prevention at every level. For expectant mothers, avoiding smoking and polluted environments is critical. For families, creating smoke-free homes and improving indoor air quality makes a huge difference.”

The practising oncologist for over 17 years was interviewed since September 25 has been designated as “World Lung Day” by the 100,000-strong Forum of International Respiratory Societies since eight years back.

The umbrella organisation of the likes of Global Initiative for Asthma, American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society, has been alarmed by the increasing worldwide incidences of respiratory ailments like asthma (260 million with over 450,000 deaths every year), lung cancers (2.5 million new cases in 2022 alone), and Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (456.4 million as of early 2025).

Going back to the prevention phase, El Kinge said: “As an oncologist, these steps are not just about breathing easier. They are about reducing cancer risk. Most lung cancers are linked to preventable factors like smoking and pollution.”

He cited that as of 2021 and in the USA alone, according to an American College of Cardiology study, “around 50 per cent of active smokers with lung cancer continue to smoke even after diagnosis.” Meaning, continually seriously affected are also those around them, due to “secondhand smoke” which health experts and advocates have been warning about, for decades.

On the UAE side and over the past five years, El Kinge noted that lung cancer “remains to be one of the most serious cancer threats while not the most diagnosed, ranking about sixth in overall incidence; one of the deadliest, responsible for the second highest number of cancer-related deaths.”

Lung cancer is more prevalent among men nationwide, “diagnosed at an advanced stage and despite improvements in cancer care, early detection and prevention remain critical.”

Similar situations have been happening “in other regions and we have seen a slight uptick driven by changing smoking patterns and rising air pollution.”

In connection to the eighth year theme of “World Lung Day” which is “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life,” El Kinge said: “Healthy lungs do not only help us breathe. They help us live longer and lower our cancer risk.”

“Urbanisation does not have to mean unhealthy lungs. It means we need to be smarter and more pro-active. Healthy lungs today mean a healthier, cancer-resistant population tomorrow; an active lifestyle, keeping up with the routine medical check-ups and vaccinations such as against influenza and pneumococcal issues since respiratory infections can set lung health back significantly,” added El Kinge who, in his “clinical years” was inspired to be an oncologist by an Oncology professor who had shown him that “Medicine is not science but all about human connection.”