While the majority of lung cancers are related to smoking, people who have never smoked can still develop lung cancer and can take steps to reduce their risks.
“Ninety percent of lung cancers are due to smoking and secondhand smoke,” said Endeavor Health oncologist/hematologist Maria Quejada, MD.
Dr. Quejada explains these and other risk factors for lung cancer, and ways to keep your lungs healthy.
Smoking
While it can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body, cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk goes up the more years a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, but even smoking occasionally increases the risk.
Additionally, using other tobacco products such as cigars or pipes, increases the risk.
“Smoking marijuana or other drugs can change the lining of the lungs and put you at risk for premalignant changes,” said Dr. Quejada, who advises people to avoid e-cigarettes and any kind of smoking. “I think over time we will see more concrete evidence showing increased risk.”
Secondhand smoke exposure
Many people may be surprised that secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor, but it absolutely is, said Dr. Quejada. This means exposure to smoke from other people's cigarettes, pipes or cigars puts people at risk.
People who live with smokers can reduce their risk by making sure that they only smoke outside the home. People who never smoked but who have a family history of lung cancer should be especially vigilant about avoiding secondhand smoke and maintaining other healthy lifestyle habits, said Dr. Quejada.
Radon exposure
Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, though some of the data is still a bit controversial, acknowledged Dr. Quejada. Radon is a naturally occurring element and it’s commonly found in basements in our region. It’s especially important for those who do or did smoke to limit additional risk factors like radon. Smokers should consider having their homes checked for radon and take steps to mitigate it if found, suggested Dr. Quejada.
Other risk factors
For never smokers, other risk factors include:
- HIV infection
- Heavy radiation exposure, which impacts people who have been treated for certain cancers (including breast and Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Workplace exposure to substances like asbestos, arsenic or chromium
While the science is not totally clear, there is beginning to be evidence that underlying lung disease can cause changes that put people at higher risk for developing lung cancer.
Ways to limit lung cancer risk
Quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of lung cancer. “We want smokers to quit or at a bare minimum dramatically reduce their smoking and we advise nonsmokers to limit their secondhand smoke,” Dr. Quejada said.
Additional, proactive ways to limit the risks of lung cancer include regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Frequent infections can also increase risk, so it’s important for people to stay on top of vaccinations for respiratory conditions like RSV and COVID-19, she added.
Following up with a primary care physician or specialist is also an important step when you have a persistent cough for more than a few weeks, or shortness of breath that gets progressively worse.
“Coughing up blood is always a bad sign and should be checked out immediately,” said Dr. Quejada. Persistent chest pain for weeks can also be an atypical warning sign and something to consult a physician about, she added.
At the end of the day, Dr. Quejada hopes more people will work to quit smoking. “Quitting is important and it does lower your risk,” she said. “It won’t be as low as a never smoker, but it does matter.”
People with risk factors can benefit from screening. For smokers, even those who quit years ago, screening is a vital, lifesaving tool that she hopes more adults over the age of 50 will embrace.
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