Think lung cancer only happens to smokers? So sometimes you might be wrong. Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, but it is not the only one. People who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer. Knowing the other risk factors matters because it can help you understand when a conversation with your doctor or a closer look at your health may be worthwhile.
What increases the risk of lung cancer?
Secondhand smoke
You don't have to smoke yourself to be exposed to tobacco smoke. Exposure to smoke from tobacco products, such as cigarettes or cigars, can make lungs more likely to develop cancer when someone breathes in the smoke regularly. This can occur at home, in social environments, or in workplaces that permit smoking.
Radon exposure
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and can accumulate in buildings. It is not visible or odorous, and so does not always present itself if exposed, unless being tested. Exposure to radon for prolonged periods of time can lead to an elevated risk of lung cancer. This is of particular concern in smokers.
Workplace exposure
Some jobs involve contact with substances that can harm the lungs. Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, diesel exhaust, and other substances is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. The risk may increase with prolonged exposure.
Air pollution
The air around us is not as clean as we think. Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), increases the risk of lung cancer. Heavy traffic or high industrial pollution could lead to higher exposure in some areas.
Previous radiation treatment
Radiation therapy to the chest could create another risk of cancer in the future. This doesn't mean that a person should not receive the treatment that is needed to prevent cancer. Your doctor or radiation therapist takes all of these together into account when deciding treatment and will discuss the pros and cons of radiation treatment with you.
Family history and genetics
If you have a close family member who's suffered from lung cancer in the lungs, then you may be at risk, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you will get lung cancer of the lungs. Scientists are also looking for genetic adaptations that may increase an individual's risk of developing lung cancer.
Symptoms
In the very early stages, sometimes no signs of lung cancer are present. If present, symptoms can include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden unexplained weight loss, or continued fatigue. Many factors can cause these symptoms; alone, they are not a sign of cancer. If there's something unusual that doesn't get better, or if it gets worse, it is a good idea to get checked.
Understand this
Not smoking is the greatest strategy you can take to reduce your lung cancer risk, but it will not eliminate all risks. Secondhand smoke, radon, occupational exposures, air pollution, prior chest radiation, and family history may be factors too. Discuss with your doctor if you have been exposed to known risk factors. Knowing your risks isn't auto-sabotaging. It's when your health calls for a checkup.