Think lung cancer is just a smoker’s disease? Think again. The truth is, anyone can be at risk. Up to 20% of people with lung cancer have never smoked.
What is lung cancer and what are the contributing factors?
Lung cancer, the growth of abnormal cells formed in the lungs, can grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Over time, these masses can spread to other parts of the body, making it harder for lungs to do their job.
An Individual who has smoked fewer than one hundred cigarettes in their life is referred to as a “never smoker.” While smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, there are factors beyond smoking that can also play a role in lung cells changing or becoming damaged over time. Some contributors are:
- Secondhand smoke: Inhaling smoke from others for years can harm your lungs.
- Radon gas: Radon is a natural gas that can build up in homes, especially in basements or areas with poor ventilation.
- Air pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air may raise your risk.
- Family history: Having a close relative with lung cancer can increase your chance of developing it.
- Previous radiation exposure: Radiation treatment to the chest for another cancer can raise your risk later in life.
Common types of lung cancer and steps to help prevent the disease
The most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers is adenocarcinoma. This form of lung cancer, common in women and younger adults, usually starts in the outer areas of the lungs. Lung adenocarcinomas in non-smokers often involve specific gene changes. Identifying gene mutation helps doctors choose targeted treatments.
Other lung cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer and large cell carcinoma, also occur in non-smokers. Carcinoid tumors are rare but are also known to affect non-smokers.
While we can’t always prevent lung cancer, we can take steps to reduce exposure and protect our lung health:
- Avoid secondhand smoke.
- Evaluate your home for radon gas.
- Limit exposure to air pollution.
- Follow safety rules at work.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Stay physically active.
- Visit your doctor regularly.
Recognizing the symptoms and knowing treatment options
Even though the risk of lung cancer is lower in never-smokers, it is still crucial to recognize symptoms. Lung cancer symptoms can be easy to miss, especially at first. Watch for:
- A persistent cough lasting more than six weeks in adults and four weeks in children
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus
- Chest pain when breathing coughing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Raspy, dry voice
- Frequent lung infections
- Back pain
If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor.
Even if you’ve never smoked, lung cancer is still possible. The good news is lung cancer treatment for non-smokers has improved. New targeted and immunotherapy drugs are making a difference.
Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage and your overall health. People who have never smoked usually respond better to targeted therapy. This is because their tumors often have specific gene changes. They may even live longer after diagnosis compared to smokers. The outcome depends on several factors. These include how early cancer is detected, overall health and access to treatments such as:
- Surgery: Surgeons can remove part or all the lungs with cancer.
- Radiation therapy: It uses focused high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: These medicines can kill cancer cells or stop them from spreading.
- Targeted therapy: These drugs block certain genetic changes in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This helps your immune system spot and attack cancer cells.
- Clinical trials: Doctors can test new treatments and approaches.
- Supportive and palliative care: This focuses on relieving symptoms and improving comfort.
Stay proactive about your lung health. Understanding your risks and working closely with your doctor can make all the difference. When issues are detected early on, treatment is often more effective. With regular check-ins and early detection, most issues can be managed effectively. A little awareness today can mean a healthier tomorrow.
