a first-degree relative who had lung cancer.
Genetic mutations can also explain the heightening vulnerability of never-smokers to lung cancer. Non-smokers specifically with “driver mutations” are more prone to experiencing lung cancer later down their lives.
This is given the notoriety at which such driver mutation triggers cancerous growth on lung cells that were previously healthy and bursting with life. Defects in ROS1, ALK, and EFGR mutations can raise a never-smoker’s risk of lung cancer.
More lung cancer non-smokers are increasingly interacting with radon
Naturally occurring, radon is one radioactively gas actively behind the occurrence of lung cancer in Americans. According to Yale Medicine researchers, about 15,000-22,000 people die from lung cancer caused by exposure to radon gas.
Undoubtedly, this makes radon exposure the prevalent cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second most common cause of lung cancer.
Radon gas can penetrate your home from the ground. Contemporary home construction procedures are not helping matters. Projections from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveal that over six percent of American homes contain unhealthy radon levels.
More never-smokers are getting screened
On the positive side, it is plausible that the recent hikes in the incidence of lung cancer in never-smokers could have arisen from more never-smokers getting screened.
Lung screenings are no longer the exotic luxuries they once were. What is more, there has been outstanding technological advancement in lung screening, making the procedure not only commonplace but also more accurate.
What can non-smokers do to reduce their risk of lung cancer?
While you may not be able to control your genetic mutation or family history, it may at least be possible to control the volume of pollution you are exposed to.
Secondhand smoke is dangerous, and you shouldn’t be too “polite” and breathe it all in. When someone smokes around you, politely ask them not to if you can’t exit the surrounding. Also, ensure the best construction practices when building your home to avoid the level of radon gas permeation.
Other than this, early diagnosis is your most potent weapon for defeating lung cancer. When lung cancer symptoms – like persistent coughing, unexplained weight loss and fatigue, blood coughing, and shortness of breath – come up, don’t “optimistically” write them off.
Hurry to get checked. You are not negative. Instead, you are proactive. This may be just what saves your life!