Military actions have significant short- and long-term environmental impacts, particularly on air pollution and cancer epidemiology. This report reviews scientific and grey literature, focusing on the Yugoslavian and Russian-Ukrainian wars. Findings show war-related air pollution may contribute to negative health outcomes, including reduced cancer survival rates, as seen during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although definitive conclusions are limited, evidence suggests short- and mid-term impacts on public health. The report calls for further research through long-term cohort studies and urges the development of European policies addressing the combined ecological, behavioral, and socio-economic factors influencing cancer risk in war-affected areas.
