What causes lung cancer if you do not smoke?

Lung cancer in people who don’t smoke can be caused by exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, or other factors. Workplace exposures to asbestos, diesel exhaust or certain other chemicals can also cause lung cancers in some people who don’t smoke.

Can you still get lung cancer if you don’t inhale the smoke?

Lung cancer is responsible for almost one-quarter of all cancer deaths in the nation. Although this type is especially common in people who smoke cigarettes, it is possible for the disease to occur in non-smokers and yes, sometimes even in those who aren’t often breathing secondhand smoke.

What kind of lung cancer do non-smokers get?

Non-smokers are those who have smoked less than 100-lifetime cigarettes. Lung cancer in non-smokers is almost exclusively non-small cell lung cancer, with adenocarcinoma being the most common type. Non-smoking women are more likely to get lung cancer than non-smoking men.

What is usually the first sign of lung cancer?

Early signs of the disease include swelling of the face or lymph nodes, hoarseness, fatigue, high fever, unexplained weight loss, finger deformity, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing. Cough: Cough is seen in more than 75% of cases. The reason is obstruction in the airway, infection, and pressure on the lung tissues.

Is there any pain with lung cancer?

Lung cancer may produce pain in the chest, shoulders, or back. This can happen when you cough or throughout the day. Tell your doctor if you notice any type of chest pain and whether it’s: sharp.

What are the chances of a non smoker getting lung cancer?

Not all people who get lung cancer smoke. As many as 20% of people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year have never smoked or used any other form of tobacco.

How can you tell you have lung cancer?

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are: A cough that does not go away or gets worse. Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm) Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.

How is lung cancer detected?

An X-ray image of your lungs may reveal an abnormal mass or nodule. A CT scan can reveal small lesions in your lungs that might not be detected on an X-ray. Sputum cytology. If you have a cough and are producing sputum, looking at the sputum under the microscope can sometimes reveal the presence of lung cancer cells.