Every year, between 20,000 and 40,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer, but this statistic is not to be overlooked if cigarette smoke has never entered your lungs. Annually, approximately 10% to 20% of lung cancers are diagnosed in people who have never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
The rise of lung cancer in nonsmokers has been on the rise, but the question is why? And while this question haunts scientists and researchers alike, another question that remains is this: If the increase in lung cancer in nonsmokers is on the rise, how do you detect it before it’s too late?
Understanding Lung Cancer
Whether it’s our heavy panting during a workout or the meditative in and out in an attempt to focus our minds, our every breath is powered by the two spongy organs in our chest – the lungs. Our lungs are responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide as we exhale.
However, their importance to our everyday lives is not without potential issues.
There are two main types of lung cancer that can impact the daily functions of our lungs: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NSCLC makes up about 80% to 85% of lung cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. NSCLC consists of three main subtypes: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Of the three, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer in those who smoke or used to smoke and those who don’t.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of all lung cancers and tends to grow and spread rapidly. Often leading to metastatic lung cancer, it usually responds well to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Despite its positive response to the treatment methods, it often returns at some point in the patient’s life.
What Causes Nonsmoker Lung Cancer?
Recent studies by the United States and the U.K. found that lung cancer is increasing among nonsmokers and never-smokers – but why?
While cigarette smoking remains the greatest risk of developing the disease, many other risk factors can contribute to the heightened risk. These include:
Radon Exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring invisible gas that forms when radioactive metals found in rocks, soil, and groundwater break down. Radon exposure occurs when it seeps into your home through cracks and gaps. Unfortunately, there is no avoiding it, as it occurs naturally in the earth.
Secondhand Smoke
Nonsmokers who live with or surround themselves regularly with smokers tend to inhale tobacco smoke. This can be just as damaging to the lungs as smoking oneself.
Asbestos Exposure
Similar to radon, asbestos is a natural mineral often found in insulation, automotive parts, and building materials. Prolonged asbestos exposure can result in trapped fibers in the body, resulting in severe health conditions, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Family History and Genetics
A common question asked is, “Is lung cancer hereditary?” Possibly. Nonsmokers who have a close family member who developed the disease before the age of 50 have a greater risk of developing the disease than those without a genetic predisposition.
Chronic Lung Disorders and Diseases
If you already have a chronic lung disease or infection, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), your lungs may be at risk for developing lung cancer.
Not every nonsmoker is necessarily at risk of developing lung cancer. While some factors, such as those listed above, can increase one’s chances of developing the condition, there are individuals with no known risk factors who may still develop it.
Research is still ongoing as to the rise in lung cancer in nonsmokers and never-smokers, and indeterminate factors may be to blame.
Is Early Detection for Lung Cancer Possible?
Lung cancer, as with many cancers, is more likely to be treated successfully if found at an early stage – but how do you know when you may be at risk?
Stage 1 Lung Cancer Symptoms
The most common symptoms of lung cancer, in its early stages, may include:
- A worsening and/or consistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Infections (such as bronchitis or pneumonia)
If the lung cancer metastasizes, new symptoms may appear. This may include bone pain, jaundice, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Leveraging Technology for Early Detection
Symptoms are not always definitive in discovering what’s happening inside your body – sometimes it’s better to take your health into your own hands.
A full-body MRI uses innovative technology to discover what is happening inside your body before symptoms even appear. With the ability to detect nearly 500 health conditions across 13 organ systems, including the lungs, high-risk individuals have a chance to discover abnormalities within their lungs and receive the help they need before they worsen.
Breathe In Peace of Mind with MRI Wellness
At MRI Wellness, our goal is to help you detect cancers in their early stages and improve your chances of living a longer, cancer-free life.
Schedule your scan with us today, and start your journey towards a better, healthier future.
