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People who smoke tobacco have the greatest risk for 肺癌. But people who have never smoked can also get 肺癌. Most cancers cannot be pinned down to one cause. In almost every person with 肺癌, several risk factors are at play.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and 在犹他州 for both men and women. It claims more lives every year than colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers combined. Learn the risks for non-smokers so you can take action to prevent 肺癌 or reduce your risk.
What are the 肺癌 risk factors for non-smokers?
的se things can increase your risk of 肺癌, even in people who have never smoked.
- 空气污染. Low-quality air days and ongoing exposure to diesel fumes, 烟雾, and fire smoke can raise your cancer risk. 的 World Health Organization (WHO) says air pollution is the most important environmental cause of cancer. WHO includes air pollution in the same dangerous category as asbestos and radon.
- Second-hand smoke. When living or working with cigarette smokers, non-smokers breathe the same cancer-causing chemicals as the smokers do. This raises 肺癌 risk in non-smokers by 25%. Second-hand smoke exposures could date back to childhood.
- 氡. This radioactive gas is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, and it increases 肺癌 risk. In the Mountain West, many homes have radon gas at dangerous levels. Home radon tests are inexpensive, and there are ways to remedy the radon levels. Learn more about how to test your home for radon.
- Asbestos and other substances. Asbestos is a mineral used in many industries. It’s made of tiny, easy-to-inhale fibers. People who have worked in shipbuilding, 刹车修理, 绝缘, 管道, and construction can be exposed to asbestos. Breathing in asbestos and other substances such as arsenic, 铬, 镍, 烟尘, and tar can increase 肺癌 risk.
- A history of other lung diseases. Having other lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, 肺结核, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 或者是个人的 家族病史 of lung or other cancers also add to 肺癌 risk for non-smokers.
How can non-smokers reduce 肺癌 risk?
Some factors cannot be changed, such as existing lung disease, 之前的癌症, and a 家族病史 of 肺癌. But you can still take steps to lower your risk.
- When air pollution levels are high, avoid exercising outside, and use HEPA air filters 在室内.
- Test your home for radon 每两年一次. You can get radon kits for a low cost or even free. If radon levels in your home are higher than 4.0 Ci/L, get a radon mitigation system installed. 欲知详情，请浏览 犹他州.政府.
- If your home has asbestos products such as old ceiling tile or 绝缘, have it removed by a professional asbestos removal service.
- Wear the right gear at work to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
- Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke 在可能的情况下.
What are the signs of 肺癌?
Lung cancer can grow for years without causing symptoms. For this reason, it is often not diagnosed until it is at an advanced stage. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these signs:
- Chest discomfort or pain
- A cough that won’t go away
- Ongoing upper respiratory infections
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Blood in your sputum
- 声音沙哑
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness
You may have these symptoms and not have 肺癌. Know your body and watch for unusual changes. Talk with your doctor at a check-up if you have any 肺癌 risk factors, even if you don’t feel any symptoms. If you do get 肺癌, this may help you and your doctor find it in early stages, when treatments are more effective.
If you have more questions about 肺癌 risk, contact the Cancer Learning Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute:
- Call us toll-free at 1-888-424-2100
- 电子邮件 cancerinfo@hci.犹他州.edu
- Text 801-528-1112
- Live chat with us