Skip to Content

Published on November 01, 2022

Lung Cancer Cases in Non-Smokers Are Rising. Here’s What You Should Know.

Lung Cancer Cases in Non-Smokers are Rising. Here’s What You Should Know.

Smoking is one of the most well-known risk factors of lung cancer. But it’s important to know that people who have never smoked can still be at risk. According to one U.S. National Cancer Institute study, an estimated 10% of men and 20% of women who develop lung cancer have never used tobacco products. And these percentages are rising.

“The fastest growing population of lung cancer patients is among non-smokers,” says Cone Health Cancer Center Radiation Oncologist Matt Manning, MD, FASTRO. While lung cancer affects both men and women who do not smoke, the rate of women being diagnosed with lung cancer is increasing especially rapidly.

“It's been tragic to see women diagnosed with lung cancer at an alarmingly increasing rate,” says Dr. Manning.

In 2021, the rate of lung cancer deaths in women were double those of breast cancer, according to Mohamed K. Mohamed, MD, PhD, Cone Health Cancer Center Director of Thoracic Oncology.

“Mortality from lung cancer in 2021 was expected to be over 160,000 people, and that's much higher than what we see with prostate cancer, with breast cancer, with many other cancers,” explains Dr. Mohammed.

Sometimes, lung cancer symptoms are mistaken for symptoms of another illness – especially if the person with symptoms does not smoke.

“For non-smokers, the first thing that will come to the provider is that it's probably pneumonia, it's probably bronchitis,” says Dr. Mohammed. “And this patient will invest for months and months and months and treat their symptoms for other causes of the problem.”

If lung cancer symptoms are mistaken for symptoms of another illness in non-smoking patients, important screenings and treatment may be delayed. It’s important to catch cancer early when it’s most treatable. Here’s what you should know about risk factors, symptoms and steps to take if you think you have lung cancer.

What are the risk factors of lung cancer?

While smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer according to the CDC, it’s important to note that there are other factors that can increase your risk. Additional lung cancer risk factors include:

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon and other substances like asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust and more.
  • Having a family history of lung cancer.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

The exact symptoms someone with lung cancer experiences can vary. Lung cancer symptoms may include:

  • Persistent chronic cough
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Feeling tired constantly
  • Unexpected weight loss without another cause
  • Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes

What should you do if you are at risk of lung cancer?

If you think you are at risk of lung cancer – even if you are not a smoker – talk to your health care provider about your concerns and ask them about lung cancer screenings.

Spreading awareness about the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers is an important first step. “Be aware that lung cancer can occur in nonsmokers,” says Dr. Manning. “And know we have a lot of effective treatments when it does.”

Lung Cancer Treatment at Cone Health

If you’re diagnosed with lung cancer, turn to Cone Health Cancer Center for advanced care in a comfortable community hospital setting. Learn more at conehealth.com/lungcancer.