This is why non-smokers get lung cancer

Jakarta –

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for lung cancer. However, it does not rule out the possibility that lung cancer can occur in someone who has never smoked.

A woman in England, Sally Hall, experienced terminal lung cancer even though she was not a smoker. The 66-year-old woman was unaware of the early signs of lung cancer because she only complained of back pain.

“Having never smoked, lung cancer was not something I thought I would experience,” said Hall, quoted by the BBC.

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So, why do non-smokers get lung cancer?

Hematology-oncology internal medicine specialist, Dr. Andhika Rachman SpPD-KHOM said some time ago that there were several other factors that could increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.

According to Dr. Andhika, the first factor is gene mutations such as EGFR, ALK and ROS1, which are often found in people suffering from lung cancer who do not smoke.

“This genetic factor can promote the growth of cancer cells in the lungs even if they are not exposed to tobacco,” he said when contacted by detikcom, Wednesday (9/10).

In addition to genetics, air pollution, especially fine particles (PM 2.5), can also increase the risk of lung cancer. Dr. Andhika said that in some areas with high levels of air pollution, the risk of lung cancer increases even in non-smokers.

Long-term exposure to asbestos also causes lung cancer. “Especially mesothelioma, which is closely related to lung cancer.”

In addition, a family history of lung cancer even if there are no other risk factors, such as smoking, can also increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer suffered by non-smokers. This type of lung cancer is included in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) group and grows more slowly than other types of cancer.

Dr. Andhika said that adenocarcinoma usually develops outside the lung and often does not show any symptoms until it is advanced or stage 4. At this stage, the cancer spreads to other organs, such as the liver, brain or bones, so the symptoms can be noticed too late.

“However, adenocarcinoma can spread to other organs, especially if it is not detected early,” he said when detikcom contacted him, Wednesday (9/10/2024).

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See also Video: Passive smokers have 4 times greater risk of lung cancer

[Gambas:Video 20detik]

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