When you think of someone most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, you might picture an older adult who’s been a lifelong smoker. That is largely still true. The average age of someone diagnosed with the disease is 70, and the vast majority of cases occur in those 55 and older.
But experts have noted a troubling trend over the past several years. Lung cancer rates among younger adults are on the rise. About 10% of people diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. are 55 or younger. And most of those diagnosed at younger ages are nonsmokers.
Smoking is still the leading cause of lung cancer
Cases of lung cancer among those who don’t smoke are increasing. But there is still a very strong link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes as many as 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Cigarette smoke is a known carcinogen (substance that causes cancer). The more you smoke and the longer you’re a smoker, the higher your risk of getting lung cancer.
Causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer — even if you’ve never smoked:
- Air pollution: Inhaling high amounts of car fumes and other pollutants can damage the lungs.
- Genetics: Certain gene mutations that you can inherit from your parents have been linked to lung cancer risk.
- Occupational exposure: Chemicals, solvents, toxins, pesticides or smoke that people may be exposed to at work can affect your lungs.
- Radon: Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that’s released from the soil and can enter your home through the foundation. Breathing in high levels of radon greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking). An estimated 21,000 people die from radon-caused lung cancer each year, according to the CDC.
- Secondhand smoke: Inhaling smoke from other people’s cigarettes is also a leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Younger adults who grew up in a home with a smoker may be particularly at risk.
Spotting lung cancer in young adults
Lung cancer can be more deadly in younger adults because it’s often not diagnosed until a later stage. This is especially true for younger nonsmokers. It can be easy for both you and your doctor to dismiss symptoms that could be pointing toward lung cancer.
Routine lung cancer screening isn’t recommended for nonsmokers. If you experience symptoms of lung cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you should be screened for the disease. Signs of lung cancer can include:
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough (sometimes coughing up blood)
- Shortness of breath
Reducing your risk of lung cancer
Making a few healthy lifestyle adjustments can lower your risk of getting lung cancer — at any age. These include:
- Eat a healthy diet: Be sure to eat at least five servings a day of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Get your home tested for radon: A simple test can measure the radon levels in your home. If they’re high, consider having a radon mitigation system installed.
- Keep your home smoke-free: Protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke.
- Know your family history: If you have a family history of lung disease or lung cancer, be sure to tell your doctor.
Take smart precautions to help protect yourself from lung cancer. And talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your lung health.
