The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are more than 200,000 new cases of lung cancer each year. Many people living with lung cancer are smokers, and as expected, 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. But do you know that you can still acquire lung cancer even if you don’t smoke?
If you want to reduce the risk of getting lung cancer, awareness is critical. You should know its risk factors are – whether you’re a smoker or not. Here are five things that can cause lung cancer in non-smokers:
Radon
In Salt Lake City, many radon-testing services are available for its residents. The city has one of the highest concentrations of radon in its soil compared to other areas in the USA. The testing services were required by the government to encourage residents to reduce the level of radon in their homes.
The reduction of radon was mainly because of the health risks that the toxic gas poses. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, while it’s the second top reason for smokers. Get your home tested for radon gas today.
Secondhand Smoke
Breathing in secondhand smoke is like smoking. Thus, smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes also causes lung cancer. In the USA, it’s unfortunate that each year, more than 7,000 non-smokers die due to secondhand smoke. This number includes both adults and children.
Because of its severity, laws that ban smoking in public places have been implemented since 1995 but only in individual states. This helped reduce the danger of secondhand smoking. Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN) continues to work in strengthening and expanding these laws so that all citizens are protected from the dangers of secondhand smoking.
Air Pollution
Polluted air, both indoor and outdoor, contributes to lung cancer. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), polluted air outside the home is considered a carcinogen or a cancer-causing agent. The good thing is that because of the environmental policies implemented in the USA, there is a lower risk of lung cancer associated with air pollution in the country.
Carcinogens Agents in the Workplace
For some American workers, the workplace is a source of exposure to carcinogens. Examples of cancer-causing substances found at some workplaces include some forms of chromium and silica, diesel exhaust, arsenic, and asbestos.
If you’re exposed to these substances and yet you still smoke, your risk of getting lung cancer is even higher. You should be careful to limit your smoking whenever possible or stop it altogether if you work around these agents.
Family History of Lung Cancer
If a close member of your family died because of lung cancer, chances are, you might also develop the disease someday. The risk becomes even higher if you smoke or if you’re exposed to cancer-causing agents.
Even if you’re a non-smoker, you should still take steps to prevent yourself and your family from getting lung cancer. Test your home for radon, limit exposure to carcinogens, avoid secondhand smoke, and eat healthily. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of lung cancer.
