I'm a Non-Smokers: How real is the risk of lung cancer for me?

09/05/2007

Non-Smokers: Are you at Risk for Lung Cancer?

The recent deaths of well-known public figures, Dana Reeve, and more recently Beverly Sills has raised questions about the development of lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked.

Lung cancer in non-smokers is more common than you might think. It is estimated that 10-15% of lung cancer cases that are diagnosed are in people who have never smoked. Most of those patients are women. The statistics show that 1 out of 5 women diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked compared to 1 out of 10 men.

The question now raised is, "What causes a person who never smoked to develop lung cancer?" Researchers have come up with some theories:

• Second hand smoke plays a prominent role in lung cancer development in non-smokers. Limiting first and second hand smoke exposure is essential to reduce you risk.

• Lung cancer can develop because of radon in the dirt below the surface of homes.  Tests are available to check radon levels around your home. Many of these tests are free through local health departments.

• Evidence suggests that lung cancer is triggered by certain types of air pollution such as workplace exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances.

• Estrogen may also be a factor in lung cancer development just as in some breast cancer developments. Some studies suggest that blocking estrogen may prevent lung cancer from growing.

• Genetics may also play a role in lung cancer development. Researchers have found genes that can greatly increase your risk for the development of the disease. This study may also explain why people who smoke multiple packs of cigarettes a day never develop the disease while others who smoke less do develop it. It may be a matter of who is carrying the gene.

It is important for everyone to discuss their risks with their physician. Many patients do not present with any symptoms. Most times patients are diagnosed through common cold and flu-like symptoms. Chest-X-rays utilizing the new CAD system and CT scan can help to make a diagnosis early.

Resources: American Cancer Society-cancer.org; Cure Magazine-curetoday.com; American Lung Association-lungusa.org

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