Non-Smokers: These Lung Cancer Risks & Symptoms Apply To You, Too

Did you know that lung cancer risks can impact non-smokers?

Most of the advice you hear about preventing lung cancer, although well-meaning, is often linked just to smoking.

But what if you’ve never smoked? Being a non-smoker doesn’t automatically clear you from the risk of lung cancer.

Tobacco usage is one of the many factors that can lead to the disease. But the truth is that nearly 20 percent of people who die from lung cancer in the U.S. annually don’t smoke or use any form of tobacco, according to the American Cancer Society.

“It’s true that the majority of people with lung cancer have some history of tobacco use,” Andrea, McKee, MD, a Lung Association spokesperson, told Health.com. “Having said that, 15% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have no history of tobacco use — and they may be quite young.”

McKee states that lung cancer is highly curable when diagnosed early.  Below are risk factors and symptoms that smokers and non-smokers alike should know.

Risk Factors

Personal or family history of lung cancer

If you’ve had lung cancer, you have a greater risk of developing another lung cancer.

Also, a strong family history of the disease (brothers, sisters, and children of people who have had lung cancer) is linked to increased risk, researchers say.

Carcinogens in the workplace

In recent years, the government has taken steps to better protect workers from exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). If you’re exposed to the following, you are putting yourself at risk:

• Radioactive ores like uranium.
• Chemicals such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, silica, vinyl chloride, nickel compounds, chromium compounds, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers can prove to be lethal if inhaled.
• Diesel exhaust.
• Asbestos (exposure is common among mine workers as well as people who work on shipyards and where insulation is used).

RELATED: I Just Found Out I Have Lung Cancer—What Now?

From our partner

Do you still have gout symptoms even though you're taking medication? You’re not alone. The Kadence study is a clinical research study for adults with uncontrolled gout. Learn More

Secondhand smoke

Breathing in the smoke of others can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

In fact, secondhand smoke is thought to account for more than 7,000 deaths from lung cancer each year.

Symptoms

Body aches and muscle soreness

You may experience chest pains, severe, dull pain in your shoulders, or soreness and weakness in your bones.

Over time, this aching pain can worsen, especially at night.

Persistent cough

We’re not talking about an allergy-induced cough attack, but a persistent cough.

If your cough lingers or several weeks, it can be an early sign of lung cancer.

During the latter stages, sufferers have also been known to cough up blood or mucus.

Difficulty swallowing

Gagging on your food?

Lung cancer can make it difficult to swallow as well as create a feeling that something is caught in your throat.

This can point to inflammation of the esophagus, also known as dysphagia – a fatal warning sign, as patients who display this symptom are at an increased risk of dying.

From our partner

People 16+ years old struggling with lupus: Find out if the PHOENYCS FLY Study may be for you. Study-related care provided at no cost.

Respiratory illness

Persistent respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia can be signs of lung cancer.

Unexpected weight loss

Though losing 10 pounds here or gaining 10 pounds there is totally normal, a sudden drop in weight should never be ignored, experts say. It could be linked to serious health conditions such as lung cancer. You want to pay attention if you have low energy, too. This could be the result of lung cancer.

Tips for Taking Control of Your Lung Health

While you cannot change your genetics or past exposures, you can take proactive steps to monitor your health and reduce future risks.

1. Test Your Home for Radon

After smoking, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation.

• Action: Purchase a DIY radon detection kit from a hardware store or hire a professional to test your living space. If levels are high, a mitigation system can safely vent the gas outside.

2. Advocate for Your Symptoms

Because non-smokers are often considered “low risk,” doctors may initially misdiagnose symptoms as asthma, allergies, or bronchitis.

• Action: If you have a persistent cough or chest pain that doesn’t resolve with standard treatments (like antibiotics or inhalers), ask for imaging. A chest X-ray or CT scan can provide clarity when symptoms linger beyond three weeks.

3. Know Your “Why” for Screening

Current guidelines for low-dose CT scans typically focus on those with a heavy smoking history. However, if you have significant occupational exposure or a strong family history, the standard rules might not apply to you.

• Action: Discuss your specific risk factors—like asbestos exposure or a parent’s diagnosis—with your primary care physician to see if early screening is appropriate for your situation.

4. Improve Indoor Air Quality

We spend a significant amount of time indoors, where pollutants can become trapped.

• Action: Ensure your home is well-ventilated. Use HEPA air purifiers to reduce particulate matter and always use the exhaust fan while cooking to minimize exposure to nitrogen dioxide and frying oils.

5. Maintain a “Lung-Healthy” Lifestyle

While no diet can “cure” cancer risk, supporting your immune system helps your body repair cellular damage.

• Action: Focus on a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) and maintain a regular exercise routine. Physical activity improves lung capacity and helps you stay attuned to any changes in your breathing or stamina.

If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. Never feel that your symptoms are “too minor” to report simply because you don’t smoke.