When people think about lung cancer, they usually think about smoking. But many people who have never smoked still get lung cancer.
In fact, research shows that around 10 to 20 out of every 100 cases of lung cancer happen in people who have never smoked.
That’s why it’s important to know the signs of lung cancer even if you don’t smoke. Finding the disease early can help doctors treat it better and improve your chances of getting well.
For non-smokers, lung cancer is often caused by other things. These can include breathing in secondhand smoke, radon gas, air pollution, or chemicals at work. Some people may also have a family history or genes that increase their risk. In many cases, the exact cause is not known, but the danger is still there.
One of the problems with lung cancer is that the signs may not show up until the disease is already advanced. But there are some early warning signs to look out for. A cough that doesn’t go away after a few weeks is one of the most common. If your cough is getting worse or lasts a long time, you should get it checked by a doctor.
Having trouble breathing or feeling short of breath is another sign. This can happen if a tumor blocks the airways or if fluid builds up around the lungs. Some people may also feel chest pain. The pain can be sharp or dull and may get worse when you cough, laugh, or breathe deeply.
Losing weight without trying or feeling tired all the time are also signs that something might be wrong. Cancer can affect the way your body uses food and energy, which leads to weight loss and fatigue. If you notice these changes, don’t ignore them.
Another serious symptom is coughing up blood or rusty-colored mucus. This is less common, but it’s a sign that you should see a doctor right away. Other possible signs include hoarseness, frequent chest infections, or swelling in the neck or chest.
Because people don’t expect non-smokers to get lung cancer, the disease is often diagnosed later than it should be. That makes it even more important to pay attention to your body and talk to a doctor if you notice any unusual or lasting symptoms.
There are screening tools like low-dose CT scans that can help find lung cancer early, especially if you have a family history or other known risks such as radon exposure.
In recent years, scientists have learned more about lung cancer in non-smokers. They found that certain gene changes, like EGFR and ALK mutations, are more common in non-smokers who get lung cancer.
The good news is that there are now special treatments that target these gene changes. These treatments often work better and have fewer side effects than regular chemotherapy.
Studies show that non-smokers with these gene mutations respond well to these newer therapies. This gives hope for better treatment and recovery.
In short, even if you’ve never smoked, you can still get lung cancer. That’s why it’s important to watch for warning signs like a long-lasting cough, trouble breathing, chest pain, weight loss, and tiredness. If you notice these symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider. Getting help early and using the right treatments can make a big difference.
If you care about lung, please read studies about a review of COPD-friendly foods for lung health, and can Vitamin C and E help fight lung cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how diet influences lung health, and these vegetables could benefit your lung health.
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