How Common is Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers?
If you have never smoked, you may believe that lung cancer is not something you would ever get. Although quitting smoking and avoiding other tobacco products greatly lowers your risk of developing lung cancer, non-smokers may still be in danger.
Canadian Cancer Society discloses that approximately 800 Canadian non-smokers die from second-hand smoking each year. Early diagnosis is reducing the number of lung cancer diagnoses and deaths, but the number of non-smokers with the disease is still rising due to certain risk factors. In this blog, you will be made aware of the reasons that contribute to lung cancer among non-smokers that can threaten health and well-being.
Symptoms of Lung cancer in non-smokers
Whether you’re a smoker or non-smoker, the symptoms you may experience due to lung cancer can be the same.
- Constant and chronic cough
- Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or hoarseness
- Coughing with rust-coloured phlegm or blood
- Chest pain
- Pain in the arms or shoulders
- Frequent attacks of bronchitis or pneumonia
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Swelling around the face and neck
Seeking immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional is important for a speedy diagnosis and possible treatment if you encounter any of these symptoms.
What causes Lung Cancer?
In addition to smoking, some other reasons can raise the possibility of lung cancer. Whether you smoke, have quit, or have never smoked these possible risk factors can cause lung cancer.
Lung cancer may be influenced by genetics. Non-smokers with lung cancer frequently have a specific gene that has changed or is abnormal. These certain mutations can be treated by targeted treatment options.
- Family History
You may be more susceptible to getting lung cancer if there is a history of the disease in your family. This is especially true if you have a parent or sibling who was diagnosed with the condition.
- Secondhand Smoke
The same toxins identified in secondhand smoke can also be inhaled when burning tobacco products which releases harmful compounds into the air. The risk of lung cancer is increased among non-smokers, especially those who are close to active smokers.
- Air Pollution
Non-smokers are more likely to get lung cancer after an extended time of high exposure to air pollution, which includes particulate matter and industrial pollutants.
- Prior Radiation Therapy
Those who have received radiation therapy in the past, particularly to the chest area, for other medical illnesses may be more susceptible to lung cancer in the future.
Breathing Easy For A Happy Tomorrow
We Make The Path To Wellness!
