Lung Cancer is Not Just for Smokers

True or False: If you never smoked, you will never get lung cancer.

False. 10% of lung cancers, or about 17,000 cases are diagnosed annually in non-smoking Americans.

Lung cancer is not just for smokers. And yet, very few people are aware of the risks or symptoms. Most people assume that if they don't smoke, they won't get it.

Yes, smoking increases risk DRAMATICALLY - but that association is causing problems of its own.

Lung cancer is one of the most under-funded cancers in terms of research for a cure, or improved treatments. The strong association between lung cancer and smoking does not generate the same empathy as other cancers.

The fact that 90% of lung cancers are related to smoking has created numerous campaigns to educate the public about the risk of smoking, not just for lung cancer, but how it increases the risk for other cancers as well. This is good. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer.

But when the emphasis is on smoking - which is great, this is where you have the greatest impact - you have unintended misinformation, bias, and risk to non-smokers who may not catch it in time.

People who never smoked are utterly baffled when diagnosed with lung cancer. Everyone who gets cancer asks, "Why?", but this is particularly tough for the non-smoking lung cancer patient.

But it gets worse when they discover that there are very little treatment options, and so little funding for lung cancer research, because of the association with smoking. Very few people think research is needed; they just think we need to tell people not to smoke.

And to add insult to injury, intentional or not, lung cancer patients can feel stigmatized, even if they never smoked a day in their lives, there can be subtle messages that they somehow brought this cancer on themselves.

It is a very depressing and tough situation for the non-smoking lung cancer patient. Any lung cancer awareness campaign should make it clear that even non-smokers are at risk, and that everyone should be aware of the risks and symptoms.

So, what are some risk factors in non-smokers?

- Passive smoking. People who live with a smoker are 24% more likely to develop lung cancer.

- Radon gas. Radon can be found in the air, or water supply in your home. Everyone should have their home checked, and mitigate if necessary.

- Asbestos. This is an insulating material that is no longer used, but may still be present in older buildings. Everyone should be aware of the presence of asbestos at home or at work.

- Genes. Not all smokers develop lung cancer, so there may be a genetic predisposition to lung cancer. Recent studies have found certain mutations in genes that could play a role in lung carcinogenesis. Early stage mutations involved cancer-cell migration, cell proliferation, and molecular signaling. Late stage cancers showed mutations in tumor-suppressor genes, and a gene involved in DNA damage repair. Again, more research is needed to find specific genetic links.

- Air pollution. Some experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air can carry the same risk as passive smoking.

Clearly, getting plenty of good, clean oxygen is critical for the non-smoker. But what are some of the symptoms of lung cancer. When do we call the doctor?

Many lung cancers have no symptoms. It may show up on a routine x-ray or CT scan. Symptoms may develop as the cancer begins to invade the lung tissue, which may interfere with breathing. Symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or coughing up blood should all be checked by a doctor. If the cancer has invaded nerves, then it may cause shoulder pain. Lung cancer that has spread to the bone may produce extreme pain at those sites. Many of these symptoms are also symptoms of more benign conditions, so it is best to have good communication with your doctor if you have any concerns.

This article isn't meant to scare anyone. The goal is just to develop some awareness, and hope that you also spread awareness, that lung cancer can and does affect non-smokers. I hope more people are willing to donate to under-funded lung cancer research. I hope people are aware of the risks and check their homes for radon, and other risk factors. I hope people will catch lung cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.

But mostly, I want to encourage everyone to get out and breath fresh clean air as much as possible. A simple walk in the woods is like going in and scrubbing your lungs clean. It's beautiful, it feels great, and it reduces your risk of lung cancer.