One doctor says that although the number of tobacco-related lung cancer cases is declining, it is surprising that more and more non-smokers are getting the disease.
“We often say that if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer,” Dr. Natasha Legel, a physician-scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, said in an interview with the TV show. Good morning From CTV on Monday.
Faced with the increase in cases among non-smokers, Dr. Leal shared prevention methods.
What are the main risk factors?
You are more likely to get lung cancer if you are exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution and radon, said Legl. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), radon It is a radioactive gas resulting from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soil.
She added that genetics also play an important role in the development of lung cancer.
There are differences between non-smokers and smokers when it comes to lung cancer.
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“90 percent of non-smoking lung cancer patients have a specific gene that is misregulated in the cancer,” she said.
The good news is that new treatments can help people diagnosed with cancer live longer than they did in the past.
Cancer Statistics
The increase in women with lung cancer remains a mystery, according to Ms. Leal. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 17,300 women will develop lung cancer this year, compared with 14,800 men.
Among non-smokers, lung cancer is more common in women of Asian descent.
“We don't understand this phenomenon 100 percent,” Dr. Leal said.
She pointed to factors such as genetics, air pollution, poor ventilation in homes, the use of wood-burning stoves, as well as exposure to diesel and cooking fumes.
“All of these factors increase the risk, and often increase it particularly in women,” she added.
How to protect yourself
No matter your gender, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to avoid smoking, fumes, and exposure to smoke in general, Leal added.
“Make sure you protect yourself and your lungs,” she says. “If it’s not in the air, it’s not supposed to be in your lungs.”
If you have unusual symptoms, such as a persistent cough and pneumonia, see your doctor, she advises.
“It may take several visits because even our family doctors or nurse practitioners are not aware of the risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers. […]The earlier we find out, the better off you'll be.”
