Non-smoking causes lung cancer

Non-smokers still have lung cancer if exposed to toxic gases, stay in smoke-filled areas or carry mutated genes.

Tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer. But about 20% of people who die from lung cancer have never smoked. Here are 3 reasons to explain this situation, according to Medical Daily.

Environment

The environment has a strong impact on the risk of disease. The US Environmental Protection Agency says radon is the most common cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon is colorless, odorless, formed by decaying radioactive elements such as uranium.

About 20% of people who die from lung cancer have never smoked.

According to the American Cancer Society, people can come into contact with radon if buildings are built on radioactive rock. Through cracks in the walls or nails, radon penetrates inside the house. For this reason, people in the basement or the lowest floor of a building are very exposed to radon.

Life style

Not smoking limits your risk of lung cancer, but many other lifestyle factors can put you at risk. The most typical example is frequent access to smoke-filled areas, causing passive smoking.

In addition, unhealthy eating also contributes to cancer. Scientists have pointed out that the scientific diet includes many vegetables and fruits to protect lungs of both smokers and non-smokers.

Gene

Some types of gene mutations make the body more susceptible to lung cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that these mutations are more common in non-smoking lung cancer patients than smokers with lung cancer.

In addition, people with parents or siblings have lung cancer (whether smoking or not) face a higher risk of disease.