Delivery Riders and Lung Cancer Risk: Key Health Insights for Long-Term Workers

Delivery workers and lung cancer?

Hello, Doctor! I have a few questions:
1.
Due to financial reasons, I have to spend a lot of time riding a scooter for food delivery (Foodpanda).
If I continue this for 20 years, will my risk of developing lung cancer be significantly high? (I do wear a mask.)
2.
Following up on the first question:
a.
What type of mask is the best to wear?
b.
If I wear a standard medical mask, should I wear two layers?
c.
For someone who does long hours of delivery, do you think I need to purchase a special type or model of mask?
3.
I would like to ask you, considering the following four points:
1.
I previously did delivery without wearing a mask for a period.
2.
Compared to the average person, I have been doing deliveries for 5 years, exposing myself to vehicle and motorcycle exhaust.
3.
My family lives next to a busy road, with windows facing the street, and our living room has a large floor-to-ceiling window facing the road.
We have lived there for 16 years.
(Am I exposed to more pollutants?)
4.
Given these factors, do you think I should consider paying out of pocket for a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan to check for lung cancer, just in case? I have had a chest X-ray before, which seemed fine.
Note: I have never smoked and should not have a family history.
4.
I have noticed an increasing trend in news reports about individuals in their 20s and 30s, who do not smoke and have no family history, or who are physically active, being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Why is this happening? Thank you very much, Doctor.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/01

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, regarding the selection of masks, please refer to the following expert recommendations: https://www.hpa.gov.tw/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=578&pid=14519&sid=14142.
Lung cancer may be related to multiple factors, and with the advancement of diagnostic tools, there has been an increasing trend in the number of cases discovered in recent years.
Air pollution could certainly be one of the factors, but the extent of its impact cannot be quantified.
It is still necessary to take appropriate protective measures.
It is recommended to undergo regular low-dose lung computed tomography (CT) scans for screening at your own expense.
Please note: online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2024/05/01

More Info

As a delivery rider, your concerns about lung cancer risk due to prolonged exposure to air pollution are valid and important. Let's break down your questions and provide a comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with your occupation, as well as preventive measures you can take.

1. Lung Cancer Risk Over Time: Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly from vehicle emissions, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence to link it to cancer. However, the actual risk varies based on individual factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices. While it is difficult to quantify the exact increase in risk over 20 years of delivery work, it is reasonable to assume that consistent exposure to pollutants could elevate your risk compared to non-exposed individuals.

2. Mask Recommendations:
- a. Best Type of Mask: For effective protection against air pollution, N95 respirators are recommended as they filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including those that are very small. However, they can be uncomfortable for long periods.

- b. Double Masking: Wearing two surgical masks can enhance filtration, but it may also make breathing more difficult. If you choose this route, ensure that both masks fit snugly to avoid gaps.

- c. Special Masks for Long-Term Use: If you are spending extended hours outdoors, consider investing in a high-quality mask designed for pollution, such as those with activated carbon filters. These can provide better protection against harmful particulates.

3. Need for LDCT Screening: Given your history of exposure to pollutants and the fact that you have lived near a busy road, it may be prudent to consider low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer, especially since you have been exposed to significant levels of vehicle emissions. While your previous chest X-ray was normal, LDCT is more sensitive in detecting early lung abnormalities. The general recommendation for LDCT screening is typically for individuals with a significant smoking history or a family history of lung cancer, but your occupational exposure may warrant consideration as well.

4. Increasing Incidence of Lung Cancer in Young Adults: The rise in lung cancer cases among younger individuals, particularly those without traditional risk factors like smoking, is concerning. Factors contributing to this trend may include increased exposure to environmental pollutants, lifestyle changes, and possibly genetic predispositions that are not yet fully understood. Additionally, the impact of chronic stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles can also play a role in overall health and cancer risk.

In conclusion, while your risk of developing lung cancer as a delivery rider is influenced by various factors, there are proactive steps you can take to mitigate this risk. Wearing appropriate masks, considering regular health screenings, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can all contribute to better lung health. If you have ongoing concerns, it would be beneficial to discuss them with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Lung Health Concerns: Anxiety, Fatigue, and Cancer Risks

Hello Doctor, I am a 41-year-old male, 172 cm tall and weighing 80 kg. I have been suffering from anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hypochondria for over a decade. I have long-term issues with fatigue and poor sleep quality. My diet is not particularly healthy,...

Dr. Shen Bochan reply Pulmonology
Hello, Amitabha. Let go, and live peacefully.

Am I at Higher Cancer Risk? Should I Avoid Becoming a Flight Attendant?

Hello, my younger sister passed away from brain cancer when she was 9 years old, and then my mother also passed away from breast cancer about 6 or 7 years ago. I think I might be in a high-risk group. Two years ago, I discovered a small tumor in my breast, which was found to be b...

Dr. Yang Youhua reply Oncology
Hello: At your age (19 years old), the vast majority of breast lumps are benign, especially since you have already undergone a biopsy, so there is no need for concern. Flight attendants and pilots are exposed to higher levels of background radiation due to frequent high-altitude ...

Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Factory Emissions: A Guide

Hello Doctor, my parents are currently 50 years old and have been working in a CNC factory for 30 years, inhaling industrial oil mist and exhaust gases. Although the factory has ventilation, I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1. Does this classify them as a high-risk...

Dr. Guo Hongyi reply Pulmonology
Hello: The public is aware that air pollution in the environment and workplace can indeed increase risks, but the risk associated with airborne contaminants in the workplace cannot currently be quantified. Generally, regular occupational health examinations are conducted for norm...

Should Motorcycle Riders Consider Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?

I have been riding a motorcycle to work for 7 years, and I have never smoked or consumed betel nut. I drink alcohol, but it's less than 250cc a year and with an alcohol content of less than 5%. I almost always wear a mask, but it probably doesn't provide complete protec...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: The motorcycle community does not smoke as severely as the rumors suggest, with claims of daily consumption of 400 cigarettes. Current research does not support the recommendation for regular low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for this group. If you do not smoke, cons...