Can Non-Smokers Get Lung Cancer? What You Need to Know

The

first thing that comes to the mind of people when they think about lung cancer is cigarettes. Although it is an undisputed fact that smoking is the primary cause, it is the reality that non-smokers can and do develop lung cancer, at times with as devastating effects as smokers. Though smoking is the most prevalent risk factor, it does not imply that non-smokers are at zero risk. So, it is extremely critical to know what else, other than smoking, can be the reason behind such a deadly disease, so that people can take preventive actions.

Hidden Risks: What Causes Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

The lung cancer of non-smokers is not a result of the usage of tobacco, yet other risk factors can silently play their role:

• Environmental Exposure:

The first cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is radon gas, a naturally occurring, radioactive, odourless gas that leaks out from the decay of uranium in soil and can seep into houses. Secondhand smoke is also dangerous even in the absence of active smoking; chronic exposure is a risk factor that enhances the chance of lung cancer. DNA damage and cancer-associated mutations have been reported as a result of air pollution, such as traffic fumes, industrial emissions, and fine particulate matter, to cause lung cancer.

• Occupational Factors

Some workplaces may expose workers to dangerous materials such as asbestos, arsenic, and heavy metals, which may increase the risk of lung cancer, even if they are non-smokers.

• Biological Factors And Genetics

Some individuals inherit genetic mutations that cause abnormal development of lung cells. In non-smoker lung cancer, specific gene mutations such as EGFR mutations are more prevalent.All these aspects together explain why lung cancer is not exclusive to smokers only, but the reasons are multifactorial.

How Non-Smoker Lung Cancer Is Different

Non-smoker lung cancer often appears to be different on the molecular level and is commonly known as adenocarcinoma, which is a subtype that can take place even without tobacco use. Research indicates that adenocarcinoma has become the most widespread among non-smokers, and its number seems to be increasing in the whole world, possibly due to the trends of air pollution in the cities.

Symptoms To Watch For

Non-smokers can have similar signs as smokers, which include:• Persistent cough• Chest pain• Shortness of breath• Wheezing• Unexplained weight lossThese symptoms are similar to less serious health conditions. However, with awareness, the deadly diseases can be detected early, leading to encouraging outcomes.

How to Lower Risk

• Check your house to see if it has radon, particularly in the basement or tightly closed buildings.• Keep off secondhand smoke and reduce the exposure to air pollution wherever possible.• If you have a family history, consult your doctor about risk factors even if you have never smoked. It is a well-established fact that non-smokers are also at risk of getting lung cancer, and many environmental, genetic, and biological factors contribute to this risk. Awareness and timely intervention can truly change the outcome.