Lung Cancer Is Rising Among People Who Never Smoked

Lung cancer can happen even to people who have never smoked.

Smoking is still the biggest known risk, but it is not the only one.

Pollution, smoke from other people, indoor cooking fires and some workplace materials may also raise risk.

Family history and changes in a person’s genes may matter too.

Doctors say lung cancer in never-smokers can be biologically different from cancer linked to smoking.

Some of these cancers may respond to medicines that target specific genetic changes.

Warning signs include a cough that lasts, trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing blood and unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms can look like ordinary illnesses, so they should not be ignored when they persist or return.

Doctors may use a chest X-ray and sometimes a CT scan to investigate unexplained symptoms.