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🚭 1 in 5 Lung Cancer Patients Never Smoked: Global Study

🚭 1 in 5 Lung Cancer Patients Never Smoked: Global Study

Think lung cancer only affects smokers? Think again. A groundbreaking study reveals up to 20% of lung cancer patients worldwide are nonsmokers – people who’ve smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. 🌍💡

The Silent Majority You Didn’t See Coming

Researchers from Australia’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Center and the University of Melbourne analyzed 92 global studies, finding most nonsmoker lung cancers are adenocarcinomas – tumors starting in glandular cells. These patients often have unique gene mutations that could make treatments more targeted (think personalized medicine meets your DNA 🧬).

What’s Fueling the Fire?

Top risk factors include:

  • 🚬 Secondhand smoke (yes, that vape cloud counts)
  • ☢️ Exposure to asbestos/radioactive materials
  • 🌫️ Air pollution (looking at you, urban jungles)
  • 👨👩👧 Family history of lung cancer

Dr. Benjamin J. Solomon, co-author of the JAMA-published review, emphasizes: "This isn’t just a smoker’s disease anymore."

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