Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease. Experts say up to 1 in 5 people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. Cases are rising among women, younger adults, and people with no smoking history. Causes include genetics, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and exposure to chemicals like radon and asbestos.
Right now, lung cancer screening in the U.S. is mainly for people with heavy smoking histories, to avoid false alarms from over-testing. But some researchers argue these guidelines may need to change to better catch cases in non-smokers.
If you’re worried about risk, doctors recommend testing your home for radon, avoiding secondhand smoke, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and discussing your family history with your doctor. Even as overall lung cancer rates decline thanks to less smoking, knowing your personal risk can help detect problems early.
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Publish Date: 2025-07-12 06:00:00