Doctors in Delhi are reporting gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cases in patients as young as 15 years, prompting renewed calls to investigate potential environmental contributions to cancer risk. Experts have highlighted fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone as pollutants requiring further study, while emphasizing that current evidence does not establish that air pollution causes GI cancers or explains the reported increase among younger patients. The issue was discussed at a two-day international conference on colorectal and other GI cancers held in Delhi on October 10 and 11.

The conference brought together specialists from Indian and international institutions to discuss cancer research, early diagnosis, treatment, and potential environmental influences on long-term health. According to a medical oncology specialist involved in organizing the conference, cancer…