Besides Smoking, What Can Cause Lung Cancer?

When non-smokers get diagnosed with Lung Cancer, they are often baffled by how it occurred. While it is true that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, it is not the only reason. According to experts at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 20000 to 40000 cases of lung cancer reported every month take place in non-smokers.

Even if you are not smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or hookahs, you can get lung cancer because of several other reasons. If data is to be believed, such lung cancer incidents translate into roughly 10000 deaths in a year! This is a huge figure by any stretch of the imagination. This is why it is necessary to be aware of the causes other than smoking that can lead to this.

Around 20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked, according to this article by Miskawaan Health. In this resource article, we are going to share five major reasons, other than smoking that can cause lung cancer. If you are someone who wishes to explore this further, please pay attention to the contents of the article.

List of 5 Major Reasons that cause Lung Cancers (Other than Smoking)

1. Passive or Second-Hand Smoke-

There have been numerous studies that have found that people who are exposed to smoking develop lung cancer. Passive smoking or second-hand smoke is the most common reason for lung cancer, apart from smoking itself. Individuals whose partners, parents, or friends smoke are exposed to the ugly effects of tar that is released. In recent years, awareness around passive smoking issues is increasing to prevent individuals from getting exposed to this.

2. Exposure to Radon Gases-

Radon is a radioactive gas that is very difficult to detect. It cannot be smelled or tasted making it difficult to be identified. Radon is released when traces of Uranium break down. While outdoors, it exists in too diluted a form to pose a threat, inside homes it becomes concentrated in nature. If inhabitants of a home breathe it in regularly, it can result in lung cancers. After secondhand smoke, is the second major cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

3. Air Pollutants-

In cities that have high automobile numbers, tons of impurities are released into the environment. Diesel particulates that are released from the exhaust pipes of vehicles are harmful when breathed in. The same goes for smoke that emanates from industries and factories. Long exposure to these air pollutants can lead to the onset of lung cancer. There are so many harmful residues that are produced after fuel is burned by the engines.

4. Asbestos and Other Chemicals-

On an everyday basis, we are surrounded by many dangerous chemicals. While we may think them to be relatively harmless, the fact remains that long exposure can be very dangerous. In this regard, exposure to asbestos, uranium, arsenic, etc. can all contribute to causing lung cancer in individuals. You must get your home tested and remove all signs and traces of these chemicals as soon as possible. They are a potent threat and cause lung cancers.

5. Gene Mutations-

Scientific studies have found that people who develop lung cancer, especially at an early age experience certain gene mutations. This leads to abnormal growth in the cell structure and affects the DNA. DNA is not only responsible for personality traits that we might experience. It can also affect the kind of diseases and infections we contract. Individuals that inherit gene mutation stand a higher chance of developing not only lung cancer but other cancers as well.

The Bottom Line

Experts recommend that people who do not smoke need to take certain steps that can help them limit the possibility of lung cancers. Some of these ways are eating healthy and fresh fruits, reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, and testing for harmful chemicals in their house. They need to stay as far from carcinogens as possible.

By following the above ways, you can ensure that you keep yourself and your family safe from the dangers of lung cancer. If you have any other questions, you would like us to discuss and answer, please let us know in the comments below.

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