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."
Reference(s):
cgtn.com