Nonsmokers can be at risk of lung cancer — know the hidden causes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aging Untold) — Lung cancer is widely associated with smoking, but doctors say nonsmokers can also be at risk.

About 10% of the roughly 250,000 new lung cancer cases diagnosed each year occur in people who have never smoked, according to Dr. Otis Rickman, an interventional pulmonologist in Nashville, Tennessee.

“If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer,” Rickman said.

Radon: A hidden risk in the home

While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, Rickman said radon is one of the less visible contributors. Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium and can seep from the ground into homes. It cannot be seen or smelled.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and that one in 15 homes has radon levels that should be reduced.

Testing and reducing radon levels

Radon test kits are available at big-box and hardware stores. If a test comes back positive, Rickman said homeowners may want to hire a professional to install equipment to reduce radon levels in the home.

Other risk factors for nonsmokers

Rickman said additional lung cancer risk factors for nonsmokers include exposure to secondhand smoke and family history.

He said people who grew up with smokers in the home, worked in smoky bars or restaurants, have family members who had lung cancer or have high radon levels in their home should speak with their doctor about whether lung cancer screening is appropriate.

For people at increased risk, Rickman said CT screening may help detect lung cancer while it is still curable.