When most people hear about lung cancer, they usually think of smoking as the main cause.
But what many don’t know is that a large number of lung cancer cases happen in people who have never smoked at all. In fact, studies show that 10 to 20 percent of people with lung cancer are non-smokers.
It’s important to understand the signs of lung cancer in non-smokers so the disease can be found early. Early detection gives people a better chance of recovery.
There are many reasons why a non-smoker might develop lung cancer. These include breathing in secondhand smoke, being exposed to radon gas (which can come from the ground and get into houses), living in places with a lot of air pollution, having certain genes, or working in places with harmful chemicals. Sometimes, doctors don’t know the exact reason, but the risk is still real.
One of the big problems with lung cancer is that it often doesn’t cause symptoms until it has grown or spread. Still, there are some signs to watch for. A cough that doesn’t go away after a few weeks is one of the most common symptoms. If you keep coughing and it’s getting worse, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
Having trouble breathing or feeling out of breath can also be a warning sign. This might happen if a tumor is blocking the airways or if fluid is building up around the lungs. Research has shown that many non-smokers who are later diagnosed with lung cancer remember having these symptoms before they were told they had cancer.
Chest pain is another sign to take seriously. The pain might feel sharp or dull and can get worse when you take deep breaths, laugh, or cough. Chest pain has many causes, but if it keeps happening, don’t ignore it.
Losing weight without trying and feeling very tired all the time are other signs. Cancer can change the way your body uses energy, which leads to these symptoms. If you notice you are losing weight or feeling tired for no clear reason, it’s time to get checked.
Some people also cough up blood or phlegm that looks rusty. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but if it does, it’s very serious and needs immediate care.
Other signs include a hoarse voice, chest infections that keep coming back, or swelling in the neck or chest. These can happen if the cancer presses on parts of the body nearby or stops the lungs from working normally.
Because people don’t expect non-smokers to get lung cancer, doctors might not spot it early. That’s why knowing the signs and acting quickly is so important. Some people may benefit from scans to check for cancer, especially if they have family members with the disease or have been exposed to things like radon.
New treatments have helped people with lung cancer live longer, especially non-smokers. Some types of lung cancer in non-smokers are linked to changes in genes like EGFR and ALK. These changes can be treated with new medicines that target the cancer cells more directly, with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
In the end, just because someone doesn’t smoke doesn’t mean they are safe from lung cancer. It’s important to listen to your body.
If you have a lasting cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, or unexplained tiredness and weight loss, talk to a doctor. Catching the disease early and using the latest treatments can give people a much better chance of recovery—no matter their smoking history.
If you care about your lungs, 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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