Early Signs of Lung Cancer in People Who Haven’t Smoked

October 14, 2024

Medically reviewed by Dr. Doug Blayney on October 14, 2024.

Introduction

When we think about lung cancer, we often picture someone with a history of smoking. But did you know that people who have never smoked can get lung cancer, too? In fact, more and more people without a smoking history are being diagnosed with lung cancer these days. Let's talk about what this means and what you should know about this.

What Causes Lung Cancer in People Without a Smoking History?

For most people with lung cancer, the answer is “We just don’t know.” Many people with lung cancer feel it’s unfair that they have lung cancer, even though they haven’t smoked, or quit a long time ago. They’re right. But there’s nothing fair about getting any kind of cancer. “It’s a club that no one wants to belong to,” Sam Donaldson once said.

Even if you don't have a history of smoking, there are other things that can increase your chance of getting lung cancer. Here are some of them:

Radon gas: This is a natural gas that can sometimes build up in homes. You can't see or smell it, but it can be harmful if you breathe it in for a long time. Radon gas, which is heavier than air, can collect in basements in certain parts of the country.
Secondhand smoke: Being around other people who smoke can affect your lungs.
Cancer-causing agents: Exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos and benzene, through inhalation or ingestion, may lead to lung cancer. Frequent contact with high concentrations of these cancer-causing agents can result in their accumulation within the lungs over extended periods.
Air pollution: Living in areas with a lot of pollution from cars or factories can be bad for your lungs.
Family history: Sometimes, lung cancer can run in families. If your parents or siblings had lung cancer, you might be more likely to get it too.
Other health issues: Some other health problems can make you more likely to get lung cancer.

What to Watch Out For: Signs of Lung Cancer

If you don't have a history of smoking, you might not think to look out for signs of lung cancer. But it's good to know what to watch for, just in case. Here are some early warning signs:

A cough that doesn't go away or gets worse
Feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing
Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply, cough, or laugh
Feeling very tired all the time
Losing weight without trying
Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit

It's important to remember that having these symptoms doesn't mean you definitely have lung cancer. Lots of other things can cause these symptoms too. But if you notice any of these, especially if they last for a while, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

More articles about lung cancer:

How Doctors Find Lung Cancer

If a doctor thinks you might have lung cancer, there are a few ways they can check:

CT scans: These are special X-rays that can show detailed pictures of your lungs.
Biopsies: This is when doctors take a small piece of tissue from your lung to look at it more closely.
Genetic tests: Sometimes, doctors can look at your genes to see if you have a higher risk of lung cancer.

Doctors often work together as a team to figure out if someone has lung cancer. This team might include lung doctors, cancer doctors, and others who are experts in different areas. Learn more about biomarker testing for lung cancer in this podcast with Kimary Kulig, PhD.

Treatment Options for people with Lung Cancer

If someone gets lung cancer, there are several ways to treat it:

Surgery: Sometimes, doctors can remove the part of the lung that has cancer.
Radiation: This uses special beams to target and destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: These are strong medicines that can kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Targeted therapies: These are newer medicines that work in special ways to fight cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This is a way to help your own body fight cancer cells better.

The good news is that there are more treatment options now than ever before. Doctors are finding new ways to treat lung cancer all the time, especially for people without a smoking history. Check out this podcast with Dr. Geoff Oxnard for more information about the rise in personalized treatment for lung cancer.

Click here to learn more about our Your Cancer GPS™ if-this-then-what interactive maps to help you navigate the cancer experience.

Lung Cancer Prevention for Non-smokers

There are things you can do to lower your chance of getting lung cancer:

Test your home for radon: You can buy kits to check if your home has too much radon.
Be mindful of air quality: Try to avoid areas with poor air quality when possible.
Eat healthy foods: A diet with lots of fruits and vegetables might help protect your lungs.
Exercise regularly: Staying active is good for your whole body, including your lungs.
Consider getting screened: If you're at high risk for lung cancer, particularly with a family history, talk to your doctor about whether you should get regular lung cancer screenings.

We’ve been there. We get it.

The Manta Cares team is composed of cancer survivors, caregivers and oncologists - so we truly understand the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis because we’ve been there. We are here to walk with you as you go through your own cancer experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are even developing Your Cancer GPS™, a platform with disease-specific step-by-step maps to show you all the paths you might face during your cancer experience and connect you with relevant support and resources. Sign up for access to the Your Cancer GPS™ platform here.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our free resources like our Chemotherapy Checklist for Caregivers, Financial Checklist for Cancer Treatment and more. We also put out a bi-weekly podcast called the Patient from Hell to educate, empower and hopefully inspire you as you go through this crappy experience. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Dealing with cancer as a patient or caregiver can feel really lonely. Just know that you are not alone in this experience.

Wrapping Up

Lung cancer can happen to anyone, regardless of their smoking history. But knowing the signs to watch for and understanding your risk can help you stay healthy.

If you're worried about lung cancer, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor. They're there to help you and can answer any questions you might have. Remember, when it comes to cancer, catching it early can make a big difference.

Also Read:

FAQs on Early Signs of Lung Cancer in People Who Haven’t Smoked

Q: Can lung cancer pain come and go?

Ans - Yes, lung cancer pain can sometimes come and go. If you have pain that keeps coming back, especially in your chest, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

Q: How likely is lung cancer in people without a smoking history?

Ans - While it's less common, about 10-20% of lung cancers happen in people who have never smoked.

Q: What are the symptoms of lung cancer mucus?

Ans - If you have lung cancer, you might notice changes in your mucus. It might be more frequent, thicker, or even have blood in it. Always tell a doctor if you notice these changes.

Q: How does lung cancer affect you physically?

Ans - Lung cancer can make you feel very tired, cause you to lose weight without trying, and make it hard to breathe. You might also have a cough that doesn't go away.

Q: What are the symptoms of lung cancer in people without a smoking history?

Ans - People without a smoking history might have symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood. These symptoms can be subtle at first.

Q: What to do if I think I have lung cancer?

Ans - If you're worried you might have lung cancer, the best thing to do is talk to a doctor. They can listen to your concerns and decide if you need any tests.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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