Comprehensive Cancer Centers encourages smokers and non-smokers alike to be aware of risk, preventative measures, and treatment options for lung cancer.
The team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers marks November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. More men die of the disease than the next two most deadly types of cancer for men (prostate and colorectal) combined. More women also die from it (an estimated 59,280 deaths in 2024) than breast cancer (an estimated 42,250).
According to estimates by the National Cancer Institute, 234,580 patients will receive a diagnosis of lung or bronchus cancer in the United States in 2024. Some 125,070 patients will die of the disease.
There is help in finding the disease early. A low-dose lung CT scan (LDCT) is a noninvasive procedure that can identify spots on the lung. If needed, a biopsy may be conducted based on that information and used to determine whether there is cancer present. For those who have never had a lung CT scan before, it entails laying down on a table and having a machine take several images of the lungs, using a low level of radiation to acquire these images.
While these tests are normally for those who smoke, they can be accessible for those who may have lung cancer and do not smoke. While Lung cancer is often considered a smoker’s disease, a significant number of non-smokers are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Lung cancer in non-smokers would rank as the 7th most common cause of cancer deaths globally if considered a separate category.
LDCT tests offer a good option for finding lung cancer early for non-smokers, but understanding the various factors that can lead to lung cancer in non-smokers is essential not only for increasing awareness but also for prevention and securing early LDCT detection.
What Do Non-Smokers Need to Know?
Non-smokers who develop lung cancer may do so due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-related risk factors. This article examines the primary causes of lung cancer among non-smokers, highlighting the steps individuals can take to reduce their risk.
A family history of cancer can increase the risk, even for non-smokers. Specific genetic mutations associated with lung cancer risk may be inherited from parents or grandparents, creating a predisposition to develop the disease. For instance, mutations in genes like EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) are more commonly found in non-smokers with lung cancer. This mutation drives abnormal cell growth in lung tissue, leading to cancer.
While not all familial cases result from hereditary mutations, people with a close family member diagnosed with lung cancer have a higher probability of developing the disease, possibly due to shared environmental exposures or lifestyle factors.
In addition to inherited mutations, spontaneous genetic mutations can occur in non-smokers that lead to lung cancer. These mutations may develop over time due to random errors during DNA replication or other factors and are not necessarily linked to environmental triggers. As cells grow and divide, occasional errors in DNA can accumulate, potentially leading to cancerous growth in the lung tissue.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. When radon gas accumulates indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces like basements, it can be inhaled and increase lung cancer risk. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second-leading cause of the disease in the U.S., responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year among non-smokers.
Testing homes and workplaces for radon levels and taking mitigation steps—such as installing radon reduction systems—can significantly reduce exposure and lower lung cancer risk from this invisible threat.
Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and other sources, has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen, highlighting its potential to cause lung cancer even in non-smokers. Fine particles in polluted air can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and cellular damage that may eventually lead to cancer.
Indoor air pollution can also be a risk factor, particularly for individuals who use biomass fuels (such as wood or coal) for cooking or heating without proper ventilation. These fuels produce toxic fumes that, when inhaled regularly, can increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, is a significant risk factor for cancer in non-smokers, especially for those in Southern Nevada who work in casinos where smoking is allowed. Exposure to secondhand smoke includes inhaling both the smoke exhaled by a smoker and the smoke emitted from the burning end of a cigarette. Secondhand smoke contains many of the same carcinogens as firsthand smoke and can lead to lung cancer after prolonged exposure.
For those living with smokers, particularly in enclosed environments, or working in environments where secondhand smoke exposure is high, the risk of cancer increases. Studies have shown that the risk from secondhand smoke can be almost as high as the risk associated with smoking in certain cases.
Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace can increase risks. Occupational exposures to substances like asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and other industrial chemicals are well-documented risk factors for lung cancer in non-smokers. Asbestos, in particular, is notorious for causing mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, but it can also increase the risk of other types of cancer
Individuals in high-risk occupations—such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and firefighting—should follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment to minimize exposure to these hazardous substances.
While smoking is the most recognized lifestyle factor associated with lung cancer, other lifestyle choices can also play a role in cancer development for non-smokers. A poor diet lacking in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may contribute to lung cancer risk by impairing the body’s ability to repair cellular damage. Some studies have indicated that diets rich in fruits and vegetables—particularly those containing antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids—may reduce lung cancer risk.
Certain infections and chronic inflammatory conditions have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in non-smokers. For instance, infections from viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) and bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (responsible for tuberculosis) can cause chronic inflammation in the lungs, which may lead to cancer over time.
Lung cancer in non-smokers is a complex issue influenced by genetic, environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors. For non-smokers, recognizing these potential risk factors—such as radon exposure, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and certain workplace hazards—is crucial in taking steps to minimize exposure and prioritize early detection. Adopting preventive measures, such as testing for radon, avoiding secondhand smoke, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting LDCT scans, can make a significant difference.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for lung cancer including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and clinical research. To schedule an appointment, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
