Lung cancer is on the rise in people who have never smoked, and this could be the reason.

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Lung cancer has traditionally been connected to smoking; however, in recent decades, there has been a large increase in instances among those who have never smoked. This phenomena has prompted researchers to look into other risk factors, such as environmental pollution, chemical exposure, and genetic predispositions, that may impact illness development.

In 2017, almost 1.57 million new cases were reported in men and over 900,000 in women, highlighting the global scope of the issue. These findings emphasize the need of knowing the numerous factors that may contribute to the development of lung cancer in persons with no history of smoking, including environmental pollution, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle variables.

Definition and Scope of the Problem

Lung cancer is defined as the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in lung tissue, which compromises respiratory function. Although tobacco remains the leading risk factor, 10% to 20% of confirmed cases occur in people who have never smoked. According to the aforementioned study, adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent subtype, particularly among women (59.7% of female cases), accounting for 45.6% of male cases.

Air pollution and environmental issues

Air pollution is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations frequently exceed permissible values in cities or places with high industrial activity, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation and malignant mutations in lung cells. The information presented in the worldwide analysis shows that East Asia and North Africa have the greatest incidence rates for various subtypes.

Radon, a radioactive gas that originates underground, has also been recognized as a risk factor. Even if residents have never smoked, the accumulation of radon in restricted quarters without sufficient ventilation can put them at risk of developing cancer. As a result, regular measurement checks and adequate ventilation are recommended, particularly in areas with high natural quantities of this gas.