The good news is that the number of smokers around the globe has been on a steady decline. The concerning news is that there has been an alarming rise in the number of people diagnosed with lung cancer who have never touched a single cigarette. What is causing this rise in lung cancer incidences among non-smokers, though?
Understanding the Increase in Lung Cancer Diagnoses Among Non-Smokers
According to research conducted by an international team, the worst-hit region appears to be East Asia, especially China. According to the authors of the study, “As lung cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide, a comprehensive understanding of the changing epidemiological patterns and their potential causes is essential”. For their study, the researchers examined various cancer incidence registers from 1998 to 2017, in addition to statistics from the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory. They concluded that the most prevalent type of cancer globally was adenocarcinoma.
The researchers found that it accounted for almost 60% of female and 45.6% of male lung cancer cases worldwide. This type of cancer originates in the glands and can potentially be caused by smoking. However, it is not as prevalent in smokers as it is in non-smokers, for whom it is the most common type of lung cancer. Lung cancer among non-smokers is the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It almost exclusively occurs as adenocarcinoma and affects the female Asian population the most.
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What Is The Cause?
The researchers speculate that it could be due to the rising levels of pollution. In fact, several previous studies already found a link between air pollution and adenocarcinoma risk increase. This makes sense considering that the regions with the most cases are also among the most polluted in the world. While many cancers can develop due to personal choices, this new risk is instead driven by issues that face the planet and its inhabitants as a whole.
However, air pollution is not the only factor potentially leading to an increase in lung cancer in non-smokers. Other risk factors include radon (a gas that emanates from the ground), secondhand smoke, asbestos, and genetics. Poor ventilation during cooking can also dramatically increase your lung cancer risk. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include chest pains, wheezing, fatigue, a persistent cough, and unexpected loss of weight. Non-smokers tend to develop different tumors from smokers. The lung cancer they develop typically has driver mutations that can be targeted. If doctors are able to determine exactly which driver mutation caused the cancer, there is a better chance they can treat it.
The Bottom Line on Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers
This type of cancer is no longer solely considered a smoking-related disease. In fact, new research shows rising cases among nonsmokers reflect a growingly complex health concern. Aside from pollution, other concerns also include secondhand smoke and radon exposure. Some researchers have also linked certain viral infections to lung cancer. Unfortunately, the most prevalent cause they can observe appears to be air pollution, which only seems to be worsening. Unless a conscious effort is made to start improving air quality, we are bound to see more conditions arise.
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