How One Gets Lung Cancer Without Smoking?

Some might think it's safe to assume one is safe from lung cancer so long as they don't smoke. Unfortunately, that's not the case, as many individuals who are non-smokers are affected by the disease.

Why Do Non-Smokers Suffer Lung Cancer?

A 2017 study discovered that the incidence of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most frequent kind, is rising among never-smokers, rising by 8% between 1990 and 1995 and 14% between 2011 and 2013. It is believed that 10 to 15 percent of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, up to 20 percent of persons who pass away from lung cancer every year never smoked or used any tobacco.

The findings show that women who have never smoked are more vulnerable than males: they have twice the risk of having lung cancer compared to men.

A 2020 study revealed that about 15 to 20 percent of males with lung cancer are never smokers, whereas over half of women with the disease are diagnosed worldwide.

Risk factors for lung cancer do not only include pipe, cigar, or cigarette smoking. Examples include asbestos exposure, radon exposure, air pollution, a family history of lung cancer, and secondhand smoke exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ten percent to twenty percent of lung cancer cases in the U.S. occur in individuals who have never smoked or who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lives. This equates to 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancer cases annually. According to research, radon and secondhand smoke are responsible for roughly 2,900 and 7,300 of these lung cancer cases, respectively.

Radon gas is produced spontaneously in soil and rock. It remains invisible to the senses. While low concentrations of the substance are normal for the air outside, they are more likely to cause issues inside homes and other structures. It can enter through wall or floor crevices from the ground.

Meanwhile, asbestos is dangerous in many building supplies and products. Inhaled fibers become lodged deep within the lungs, potentially resulting in lung cancer over time. You're at higher risk the more frequently you are in contact with asbestos.

Additionally, chances in the lung cells' DNA, known as mutation, can also lead to cancer.

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Kathy Griffin Shares Doctor's Theory About Lung Cancer

American comedian and actress Kathy Griffin is one of those who are non-smokers but diagnosed with lung cancer. Rep Eric Swalwell previously took to X, formerly Twitter, and wrote, "F*** Cancer."

He encouraged his followers to retweet the message. He also proposed several potential ways to stop cancer, such as funding research, testing, and treatment, increasing the number of medical professionals and scientists working in the field, creating a more flexible FDA, promoting school nutrition awareness, and reducing chemical exposure.

Griffin seemed to agree with Swalwell. According to her, despite never having smoked, she was given a lung cancer diagnosis. Her physicians suggested that radon contamination might be the cause.

After undergoing surgery for lung cancer, Griffin's voice changed. The condition reportedly raised the pitch of her voice.

In a video, the "Suddenly Susan" actress hinted that she might have reached her maximum potential in terms of vocal apparatus recovery following her lung cancer surgery. She added that since her left vocal cord was already paralyzed, they would attempt another injection.

Griffin mentioned that she would undergo a full arytenoid surgery and, subsequently, a permanent procedure to ease her condition.

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