Lung Cancer: 5 reasons why it is happening to non smokers

Research shows that despite smoking being the primary risk factor for Lung Cancer, many people who never smoked, develop the disease. In fact, Lung cancer represents 10-30% of total cases which occur in individuals who have never smoked. These findings are both unexpected and troubling for many people. Multiple factors leading to lung cancer in non-smokers have recently been identified. Here are 5 such reasons, and how you can protect yourself from Lung Cancer as a non-smoker.

Radon is invisible odorless gas that naturally emanates from underground sources. The process of uranium decomposition in soil or rocks, produces this gas. The gas enters homes through floor and wall cracks most notably when buildings sit on specific soil types. Due to its invisible and odorless nature, people remain unaware about radon presence inside their homes.
Studies have established that prolonged exposure to radon gas leads to lung cancer development. The yearly lung cancer deaths in the United States from radon exposure amount to 21,000 even among non-smokers. Prolonged radon gas inhalation, leads to lung cell damage which results in cancer development.
Special testing kits available in the market allow homeowners to detect radon levels, while providing solutions to decrease radon concentration when necessary.

The term secondhand smoke refers to the inhalation of smoke produced by other individuals (especially those who live with you) who smoke cigarettes or cigars, or use pipes. Breathing secondhand smoke repeatedly subjects your lungs to numerous dangerous chemicals, although you do not smoke yourself.
Lung cancer causes thousands of annual deaths among non-smokers who breathe in secondhand smoke. Enclosed spaces such as homes , cars and offices present an especially hazardous environment for people who live or work with smokers, because smoke accumulates in these areas. Spouses and children who frequently encounter smokers, face an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer because of their exposure to smoke.

Reference: https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/lung-cancer-in-nonsmokers

Air pollution occurs from vehicles, factories as well as power plants and fuel burning activities. Long-term exposure to small airborne toxic particles together with gases, poses risks to human health. Non-smokers in areas with poor air quality, experience a rising number of lung cancer cases.
Lung tissue damage and dangerous genetic mutations result from outdoor pollution, which raises the chances of developing lung cancer. The lack of proper ventilation in homes that use biomass fuels such as wood, charcoal and dung for cooking, generates dangerous indoor pollution. Such indoor smoke represents a significant health risk across various developing nations.

People become exposed to cancer-causing substances both during their work activities, and while they are in their surroundings. Workers who handle asbestos fibers (used in construction and manufacturing) face serious lung damage, which raises their risk of lung cancer development. The combination of benzene and diesel exhaust with heavy metals poses additional health risks.
The repeated contact with carcinogens, results in lung cancer development even among those who never smoked. The combination of hazardous materials found in mines, factories and construction sites, increases the risk of lung cancer among workers.

Lung cancer origins extend beyond environmental exposure since other factors cause this condition. A person's genes may develop mutations that lead to uncontrolled growth of lung cells in some cases. Research indicates that non-smoker lung cancer patients frequently carry EGFR gene mutations, which are among the most prevalent in this population. The developmental patterns of cancer alongside its reaction to treatment, depend on these mutations. The occurrence of these genetic changes runs higher among women, and individuals with Asian ancestry. Research on genetic factors has led scientists to develop targeted treatments which enhance patient survival rates.

Reference: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/factors-linked-lung-cancer-never-smokers

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from Lung Cancer

Random home testing for radon exposure, along with proper assessment of its levels.
Avoid second hand smoke. If you live with a smoker, keep your indoor areas smoke free.
Reduce your exposure to heavy pollution by either limiting your outdoor time, or using protective masks.
Select clean fuels for cooking, and implement proper ventilation methods.
People must take protective measures at their workplaces that handle hazardous materials.
People who have lung cancer family history or belong to high-risk groups, must go for regular health check-ups.

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Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice