Though lung cancer was once considered essentially associated with smoking, the disease is increasingly afflicting nonsmokers. This silent threat has potended major concerns and spurred further understanding regarding the causes, risks, and prevention of the disease. Major risk factors include secondhand smoke exposure, radon gas, occupational hazards, and general air pollution.
Genetic predisposition is also a contributing factor in some instances. Early detection by regular screening is important, especially among people at high risk. It would also be of grave importance if measures for keeping a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, maintaining good dietary habits, and performing regular physical exercises, can help lower the risk of developing lung cancer.
Why Non-Smokers Get Lung Cancer
While tobacco smoking is still the leading cause of lung cancer, there are other factors that can cause lung cancer even in nonsmokers:
1. Secondhand Smoke: Therefore, secondhand smoke can be called passive smoking, too, but it is also considered one of the major risk factors that heighten the chance of lung cancer.
2. Exposure to Radon: Being a radioactive gas in nature, the occurrence of radon can occur via leakage into homes and buildings. Long-term exposure to such gas may cause destruction to lung tissue and cancer.
3. Occupational Exposures: Employment in mines, on construction sites, and in manufacturing carries the risk of asbestos, silica, and other chemical carcinogen inhalation, which is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
4. Air Pollution: Indoor and outdoor air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer.
5. Genetic Factors: Family history and genetic predisposition can be other key factors for developing lung cancer.
Key symptoms of lung cancer you must pay attention to
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The symptoms of lung cancer are often subtle in the early stages and may be more pronounced as the disease progresses. Common symptoms include the following:
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Blood in sputum
• Fatigue
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight loss
Early Detection and Prevention
One of the surest ways to improve outcomes in lung cancer is early detection. Regular screening by low-dose computed tomography can bring lung cancer into the light at its earliest—and most curable—stage.
If one wants to reduce the chances of having lung cancer, here are some preventive measures:
1. Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke by making places where people spend time smoke-free.
2. Test Your Home for Radon: Radon testing kits are widely available. If a high level is found in your home, take corrective action such as sealing entry points and improving ventilation or installing a radon mitigation system.
3. Occupational Safety: For jobs that are risky due to possibly exposing you to other perils, necessary precautions should be taken. This could include the use of protective gear and proper ventilation.
4. Air Quality: The recommended actions are reducing exposure to air pollution by limiting outdoor activities when air quality is poor, using air purifiers indoors, and supporting policies promoting clean air.
5. Healthy Lifestyle: Above all, a healthy lifestyle coupled with a proper diet, regular exercise, and no excessive alcohol intake will ensure strengthening of your general health and reduced risk of lung cancer.
6. Regular Check-ups: Regular check-ups with the doctor will help to discuss your risk factors and come up with a way to find possible health issues.
Additionally, this risk of lung cancer can also be reduced by understanding the risk factors and taking precautionary measures. Consult your doctor in case of persistent symptoms for timely diagnosis and treatment.
(Dr. Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, Director, Medical Oncology, Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi)
