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What Causes Lung Cancer In Non-Smokers? The 5 Risk Factors To Know
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What Happened?
While smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, non-smokers can also be at risk due to factors like air pollution, radon, and ultra-processed foods. Understanding these risks is crucial.
Key points
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, with an estimated 229,410 new cases in 2026.
- About 20% of lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have never smoked.
- Air pollution from sources like coal plants and vehicle emissions contributes to lung cancer risk.
- Radon, a colorless gas from soil, can seep into homes and increase lung cancer risk.
- Secondhand smoke exposure raises lung cancer risk by 20 to 30% for non-smokers.
- Certain genetic changes, like the T790M mutation, significantly increase lung cancer risk.
Key insights
- Awareness of air quality can lead to preventive measures against lung cancer.
- Testing for radon in homes is crucial for safety.
- Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly lower cancer risk.
Why it matters
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make informed health choices.
Source
Times Now
