Lung cancer is often associated with smokers or former smokers, and though doctors say about 80% of cases occur in smokers or former smokers, an alarming 20% of cases affect people who have never smoked.
“A variety of environmental factors, aside from smoking, can contribute to someone’s lung cancer risk, but the type of lung cancer that nonsmokers develop often differs from the type of lung cancer that smokers develop,” said Dr. Mohan Kulkarni, a thoracic surgeon at Henry Ford Health. “While lung cancer in smokers forms as a roundish spot, lung cancer in nonsmokers is diffused or less concentrated to one area. Lung cancer in nonsmokers is also usually slower growing.”
It is important to note that outcomes for nonsmokers who are diagnosed with lung cancer tends to be more favorable than smokers. That’s according to a recent study in which Henry Ford Health participated.
“Never-smokers may have better lung cancer outcomes partly because they are generally healthier,” said Christine Neslund-Dudas, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at Henry Ford Health who contributed to the study. “They’re able to fight cancer and tolerate treatment better than heavy smokers. “While we’ve known active smoking is related to poor outcomes of lung and other cancers, we wanted to look into this further because there’s been a rising number of never-smokers who are developing lung cancer.
Kulkarni identified five different environmental risk factors for lung cancer beyond smoking, and offered advice on how to reduce exposure:
1. Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral fiber used in construction for its durability and heat resistance, can cause lung cancer. Although banned in many applications, it may still be present in older buildings.
“Before embarking upon construction projects -- especially if you live in an old home -- have a trained professional determine whether you have asbestos and where it is,” Kulkarni said.
Safe removal by professionals is crucial to prevent airborne fibers from harming your lungs.
2. High-temperature cooking
Asian females who never smoked are increasingly developing lung cancer, partly due to high-temperature cooking methods like stir-frying.
“Frequently cooking with oil at high heat creates carcinogens that are detrimental to the lungs.”
To reduce this risk, it’s important to have good kitchen ventilation and use other cooking methods like steaming or microwaving.
3. Outdoor air pollution
Pollutants from vehicles, industrial sources and wildfires can harm lung health.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are likely hundreds of thousands of lung cancer deaths worldwide that can be attributed to particulate matter (PM) pollution -- particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.
PM particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. To minimize exposure, check air quality on airnow.gov before going outside and consider using an air purifier at home.
4. Radon gas
After smoking, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The colorless, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas is found in soil.
Radon usually isn’t a threat when it’s outside because it disperses rapidly. However, radon can accumulate in basements through cracks in the foundation, which can become a health risk.
Testing for radon is essential, either through home inspections or DIY kits. If radon levels are high, professionals can install ventilation systems or increase air changes in the home.
5. Second and thirdhand smoke
Secondhand smoke contributes to lung cancer risk, but thirdhand smoke is also harmful.
“Thirdhand smoke is just as bad for you as secondhand smoke,” Kulkarni said. “When someone smokes, cancer-causing chemicals cling to surfaces like clothing, hair, rugs, carpets, furniture, vehicles, bedding, drapes and walls.”
These chemicals build up over time and are difficult to remove. Washing walls and ceilings with detergent and hot water can help, while clothing and bedding may need several washing cycles. Carpets, furniture and any thirdhand smoke absorbed behind walls or in insulation may require replacement.
“Many people often don’t experience symptoms of lung cancer -- like a worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing and more -- until lung cancer has progressed to stage 3 or 4, where it has spread outside of the lungs,” Dr. Kulkarni warns. “If you are worried about potential environmental exposures and your lung cancer risk, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.”
To reduce your exposure to lung cancer risks, you can do things like get an air purifier for your home or check the air quality before you commit to outdoor activities.
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