Lung cancer doesn’t always come from a pack of cigarettes. Sometimes, it appears without any warning signs affecting people who’ve never lit a cigarette in their lives. For non-smokers, this often feels very unfair but the truth is that lung cancer is becoming increasingly common among non-smokers.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2021 reported that 10% to 25% of all lung cancers that occur globally are found in lifelong non-smokers. Lung cancer has now become one of the leading types of cancer, after breast and prostate cancer. That’s why understanding lung cancer is very important, regardless of your smoking history.
Why Non-Smokers Are Still at Risk of Lung Cancer
Many people think that lung cancer only affects people who smoke, but that’s no longer true. A growing number of cases are being diagnosed in people who have never smoked, not even once. This number is rising, especially in countries like India and the U.S.
Women are more likely than men to develop lung cancer without ever smoking. This has been observed in several studies. Estrogen or genes could be part of it. Age is also a consideration. Most instances still occur after the age of 40, but young non-smokers are being diagnosed as well. It’s no longer something we can link only with old age or having a long history of smoking.
Major Causes of Lung Cancer
The main cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked can be due to various causes. Some of the main causes of non-smokers getting lung cancer are as follows:
Radon Gas
Radon is a natural gas. It develops underground and rises up through rocks and soil. It accumulates in homes, particularly ground floors or basements. Extended exposure can damage lung tissue. That is how it becomes cancerous. Some regions naturally contain more radon than others. Testing is easy and cheap, but not many people take it seriously until it is too late.
Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
When a person who doesn’t smoke gets diagnosed with lung cancer, the major reasons could be exposure to second-hand smoke. Over the years, secondhand smoke can damage your lungs. The toxins in secondhand smoke are just as dangerous. The lungs absorb the same chemicals, which build up over time and damage your lungs.
Occupational exposure
Certain individuals are exposed to harmful materials just because of what they do. Construction, mining, manufacturing, shipyards, and some chemical industries are higher risk. The most common is asbestos. It used to be in buildings and insulation. When the small fibers get damaged and are breathed in, they remain in the lungs. Years down the line, they cause serious diseases. Lung cancer is one of them. Diesel exhaust, arsenic, chromium, and nickel are also harmful materials. Even hairdressers who handle certain dyes are at greater risk. Precautions such as masks and ventilation help a lot.
Pollution and urban air
Harmful air and pollution are also a major cause of the increasing cases of lung cancer. They affect your lungs and may cause irritation. Over time, that irritation can turn serious. Sometimes, it leads to cancer, even if you’ve never smoked. The danger increases with increased exposure. Even within homes, the air can be bad. The World Health Organization has linked air pollution to lung cancer, particularly fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. It’s not merely an environmental problem anymore. It’s a health issue now.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
Lung cancer in non-smokers tends to remain unnoticed. The typical signs may be disguised as ordinary conditions such as allergies or a cold. Nevertheless, some symptoms are not to be overlooked, particularly if they become worse with time. Some of the initial warning indicators of lung cancer are as follows:
- Sudden Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing blood
- Hoarseness
- Persistent cough
If you notice any of these signs, and you’ve never smoked, don’t ignore them. Consult with a specialist as soon as you can.
Diagnosing & Testing of Lung Cancer
Diagnosing & testing lung cancer involves various methods like imaging studies, laboratory work, and analysis of tissues. Physicians will often begin with scans to identify any suspicious areas, followed by tests that confirm and determine the nature of the tumor. Some of the tests performed by experts are:
Low-Dose CT Scan
This is used to screen, particularly if one is highly at risk. It detects small nodules early.
PET-CT Scan
This scan detects active cancer and also determines whether it’s spread elsewhere.
MRI Scan
This scans the brain. It’s done when there are indications that cancer may’ve spread.
Sputum Cytology
The sputum you cough up is examined under a microscope to find out if cancer cells are present.
Bronchoscopy
A thin tube is inserted into your lungs and assists doctors to visualize the airways & obtain tissue.
Needle Biopsy
The needle biopsy is performed through the chest wall, and often a CT scan guides it. This test aims for deeper areas.
Genetic or Molecular Testing
After cancer has been diagnosed, the tissue is analyzed for mutations. Assists in the selection of appropriate treatment.
Blood Tests
These don’t detect cancer itself, but they provide physicians with hints regarding your general health. Some also test for tumor markers.
Liquid Biopsy
This test searches for bits of cancer DNA circulating in the blood.
Final Thoughts
Lung cancer in non-smokers is a growing reality that breaks the old rules. You can avoid tobacco and still be at risk. Awareness and early action are very crucial in the case of lung cancer.
At Paras HEC, a trusted centre with leading cancer specialist in Ranchi, patients receive complete care, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, even without a smoking history. Their expert team ensures you’re not overlooked because when it comes to lung cancer, early action truly saves lives.
