Maintaining good health requires awareness and understanding of potential risks and early warning signs of illness. While some conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes, others require more attention, especially when symptoms are subtle or easily mistaken for less serious issues.

“Lung cancer is one such condition that often goes unnoticed until it has advanced. It can affect both smokers and non-smokers, with symptoms that are frequently overlooked or attributed to other respiratory problems. Early detection is crucial, as lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide,” quotes Dr Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh, Medical Oncology, HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Centre, Ranchi.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

Lung cancer symptoms are generally the same whether or not an individual has a history of smoking. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, frequent coughing, coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if they occur.

How Smoking Contributes to Lung Cancer

Smoking remains the foremost cause of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of related deaths. The risk is further heightened by exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking also amplifies the effects of other risk factors, such as radon and asbestos, making the likelihood of developing lung cancer even greater. Although genetics can influence susceptibility, not everyone who smokes will contract the disease.

Also Read: Why Is Lung Cancer Hitting Non-smoking Indians Earlier Than Westerners?

Causes and Risk Factors for Non-Smokers

For individuals who have never smoked, radon is the most significant contributor to lung cancer. This invisible, odorless radioactive gas originates from uranium decay in the earth and can build up in buildings undetected. Additional risk factors for non-smokers include exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, carcinogenic substances like asbestos and diesel exhaust, and certain genetic predispositions.

Common Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms are consistent across both smokers and non-smokers. In the early stages, the disease is often asymptomatic. As it progresses, symptoms may include frequent coughing that worsens, recurrent lung infections, hoarseness, continuous chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Also Read: Types of Lung Cancer Non-Smokers Develop And How It Can Be Treated

Treatment Options

Lung cancer treatment varies based on factors like the cancer stage, overall health, lung function, and genetic traits of the cancer. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the affected lung tissue, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation, immunotherapy, or targeted drug therapy, depending on the individual case.

Reducing the Risk of Lung Cancer

To lower your risks, actively avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, pollution, asbestos, and any other form of carcinogens. Testing homes for radon and taking measures to reduce its levels can also help. While some risk factors, such as family history or genetic mutations, cannot be changed, discussing preventive strategies with a doctor is advisable. For those with specific genetic mutations, targeted therapies might offer effective treatment options.