what causes lung cancer in non smokers

10 months ago 29
Nature

Lung cancer in non-smokers can be caused by various factors other than smoking, such as exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, and asbestos. Additionally, genetic factors, including DNA mutations like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, can contribute to the development of lung cancer in non-smokers. Other risk factors for the development of lung cancer in non-smokers include cooking fumes, environmental exposures, oncogenic viruses, and estrogens. Its important to note that lung cancer in non-smokers often presents as non-small cell lung cancer, predominantly adenocarcinoma, and tends to develop in younger individuals with certain gene changes. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for raising awareness and taking preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer in non-smokers.