Lung Cancer among Non-Smokers: Causes, Risks, and Early Detection
Smoking is the main reason for lung cancer. However many are surprised that the disease may develop even in people who have never smoked in their lives. According to new studies, the disease is identified among a great number of individuals who have never used cigarettes. Knowledge of what provokes and leads to this illness, the danger factors, and ways of early detection can save the lives of non-smoking patients and help provide effective treatment in time.
Causes and Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
The causes of lung cancer in non-smokers are numerous and often different from the factors associated with smoking. These include:
Genetic mutations are non-smokers' most common cause of lung cancer. Some of these mutations, like EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations, cause abnormal cell growth in the lungs, which increases the risk of cancer.
Radon is a radioactive gas that leaks into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer, following smoking, and is a key risk factor for non-smokers.
Exposure over a very long time to air pollutants that consist of fine-sized particulate matter, mostly emanating from vehicles and industries, can increase a person's chances of acquiring lung cancer. Long-time exposure to highly polluted locations might harm more than just their health.
Other people who have not been smoking or are used to smoking in the near past, continue to inhale chemicals and other carcinogens consequently increasing chances for developing lung cancer.
Some occupations expose workers to carcinogenic material such as asbestos, arsenic, and diesel exhaust. Such substances tend to settle within the lungs and cause increased cancer over time.
Patients who have had their chest areas exposed to radiation therapy to treat other types of cancers are more vulnerable to developing lung cancer as a result of the radiation exposure.
Early Detection and Screening
If a case of lung cancer could be identified early, that can make all the difference regarding its outcome. It is, hence, necessary to screen it. Today, medical sciences are advancing by leaps and bounds, and medical professionals have started to identify early-stage cases of lung cancer in more non-smokers than any other section of people. Low-dose CT is another good example of an effective screening test. It applies one-tenth the amount of ionizing radiation used in the conventional CT scan and captures the presence of early stages of lung cancers. It has further opened scopes for biomarker testing of individuals with familial or hereditary risk or predisposition to lung cancers that can mark and identify subjects with higher risks, which leads to a more targeted type of treatment.
For patients, who have a strong familial predisposition or familial history of being a nonsmoker yet having risks due to these factors, regular check-ups or follow-ups with a provider are significantly crucial as prevention by early treatment is the sole hope at times.
Specialized Care and Expertise in Pulmonology in PK Das Hospital
Our Pulmonology Department at PK Das Hospital is renowned in Palakkad for its level of care and expertise in diagnosing and treating respiratory disease. The department is also a significant part of our mission to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat lung and respiratory diseases at all ages.
Pulmonology, the specialty for the entire respiratory system, is an area of practice in diagnosis and management impacting the respiratory tract from nose and throat to lungs and muscles. Our PK Das Hospital has kept pace with modern technological inputs and innovative approaches in dealing with lung conditions that guarantee optimal care for our patients regarding their lung health.
Specialized Care and Expertise in Pulmonology in PK Das Hospital
Lung cancer awareness among non-smokers will improve survival rates through early diagnosis. Since such a cancer can occur in anyone, whether a smoker or not, it is highly relevant to know the risk factors, symptoms, and how to prevent it. At PK Das Hospital, we offer comprehensive pulmonary care to educate and empower patients in creating healthier living and maximizing lung function.
If PK Das Hospital is your choice which means you choose to have a partner in the healthcare system who stands committed to excellence in pulmonology where patient-centered care and advanced treatments come together to support lung health and overall well-being. Whether for screening, diagnosis, or treatment, our team of experts is here to provide the guidance and care you deserve.
