Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Cancer cases are constantly increasing, and lung cancer is one of them. It's often said that it affects smokers. Let's tell you the truth.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Why Children Get Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is usually associated with smoking, but the truth is that many such cases are coming to light in which the patient has never even smoked a cigarette. It is very important to understand why this disease is increasing in children and non-smokers. According to medical journals, about 25 percent of lung cancer patients are those who have never smoked. There are many reasons behind lung cancer in children, which often go unnoticed. Let us tell you how people who do not smoke also get lung cancer. 

passive smoking

Even if children don't smoke cigarettes, they are at risk of passive smoking if they live around smokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke at home or in public places can cause serious lung damage. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that it increases the risk of lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent in non-smokers.

increasing air pollution

Air pollution has become a major threat to urban residents. Vehicle exhaust, toxic particles from factories, and construction dust penetrate deep into the lungs. Long-term effects can cause cellular changes and lead to cancer. 

genetic changes

In some cases, lung cancer is genetically linked. Certain gene mutations found in children, such as EGFR, can trigger cancer cells to grow rapidly even without any external trigger. The risk is even higher in families with a history of cancer.

exposure to radon gas

Radon is a radioactive gas that emanates from the ground and rocks. It can accumulate in homes with poor ventilation. It's invisible and odorless, but long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, even in non-smokers.

Hormonal causes

Some research suggests that hormonal changes may also affect lung cancer risk. Certain hormonal conditions, especially in girls, may promote cancer cell growth. This area is still under research, but it should not be ignored.

What do experts say?

Dr. Tarang Krishna, a cancer immunotherapy expert and managing director of the Cancer Healer Center, outlined three warning signs of lung cancer. Dr. Tarang Krishna, who has over 22 years of experience, stated in an Instagram video posted on December 3rd that lung cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, but it's often diagnosed too late. He explained that early detection can make treatment much easier and more effective. This is why it's crucial to take early symptoms seriously.

 A Lancet study published in 2022 found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter like PM2.5 is increasing the risk of non-small cell lung cancer in non-smokers, especially in urban and industrial areas. Air pollution levels in many major Indian cities, such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Noida, have now reached levels so high that they do not meet World Health Organization standards. Continuously breathing toxic air poses a serious threat to the lungs.