Posted in: Lung Cancer Treatment by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 29 Jan, 2020
If you have never smoked a cigarette in your life, it is obvious for you to think you won’t get lung cancer. And it is somewhat true that the odds of avoiding lung cancer can be in your favour - but nonsmokers get it anyway. And the occurrence of lung cancer among non-smoker is on the rise. Read below to know about the development of lung cancer in non-smokers.
For too long having lung cancer is seen as a smoking related disease. This is an important association but as research suggests, there are other risk factors leading to the development of lung cancer such as indoor and outdoor air pollution.
How do Non-Smokers Get Lung Cancer?
Though not each and every non-smoker suffering from lung cancer will have an identifiable risk of lung cancer, Cancer Healer Center has recognized multiple conditions and situations which can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Passive smoking
Passive smoking, also known as inhalation of tobacco smoke from smokers who share the space is an established risk factor for lung cancer. According to research, non-smokers who live with smokers have a 24% higher risk for lung cancer.
Radon gas
Radon gas which forms when uranium decays is also a known cause of cancer. Around 10-12% of total lung cancer deaths can be attributed to radon gas exposure. In addition to this, people who smoke and are exposed to the gas have a much higher chance of developing the disease as compared to non-smokers who are exposed to the gas. It can travel up through soil and enter homes through gaps in the foundation, pipes, drains, or other openings. Radon gas is invisible and odorless but can be detected with simple test kits.
Asbestos
It is a compound used as both insulation and thermal material. The microscopic fibres break from the insulation material and are released into the air being inhaled by us into the lungs. Asbestos fibers can persist for a lifetime in lung tissue. Cigarette smoking drastically increases the chance of developing an asbestos-related lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos.
Heredity
Since all the smokers do not develop lung cancer, it is possible that factors such as genetic susceptibility can play a role in lung cancer. Numerous studies have shown that lung cancer is more likely to occur in both smoking and non-smoking relatives of those who have had lung cancer than in the general population.
Air Pollution
Pollution from vehicles, industries, and power plants can raise the likelihood of developing lung cancer in exposed individuals. Experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air can carry a risk for the development of lung cancer similar to that of passive smoking.
Age
Some people diagnosed with lung cancer are older than age 65. However, lung cancer in non-smokers, particularly in women, can occur much earlier in life.
Occupation
People deployed in jobs such as firefighting, railroads and construction, or other jobs that expose you to lots of dust or diesel fumes can lead to lung cancer.
Diet
What you eat also affects the health of your lungs. Studies have shown that the glycemic index which raises the blood sugar may be linked with lung cancer risk. Foods that may be troublesome are white bread, sugary cereal, white rice, pretzels, and popcorn. Healthier choices are whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, lentils, and most fruits.
How is Cancer in Non-Smokers Different for Cancer in Smokers?
The most rampant lung cancer detected in non-smokers called adenocarcinoma usually starts in the outer areas of the lungs called the bronchioles. Adenocarcinoma is expected to have a different shape than other types of lung cancer. To put this in perspective, the cancer doctors say that if you are a smoker you can think of your lungs as a bag of white marbles and cancer is like replacing it with black marbles.
The kind of cancer that non-smokers get is like putting in black sand. Instead of a lump or spot, it is more like a hazy area. Another major difference is that cancer in smokers grows faster as compared to non-smokers.
How can the Non-Smokers Reduce their chances of Lung Cancer?
Some of the risk factors such as the existing lung diseases, previous cancers, and a family history of lung cancer cannot be changed. But the leading cancer hospitals in India list a few steps to reduce your chances of cancer:
- Test your home for radon almost every two years: Low-cost radon detection kits are available at the local level health departments. If the measure of the radon is more than 4.0 Ci/L, you will have to look out for remediation measures.
- Avoid exposure to cancer-causing substances: Exposure to substances such as asbestos, second-hand smoke, arsenic, tar, nickel, diesel fumes, and others.
- Wear and use the right protective gear and equipment: If your job exposes you to harmful substances, it is extremely important to wear the right protective gear. In addition to this, change out of your work clothes and shower before coming into your home or as soon as possible when you arrive.
- Asbestos professional: Contact an asbestos professional for mitigation of asbestos in your home.
Lung cancer treatment - Cancer Healer Center at Rescue
Cancer healer therapy by Cancer Healer Center is one of the most effective cancer treatments which have proven to be successful even in the advanced cancer stages. It treats lung cancer with no or fewer side effects and works in conjunction with chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy.
Though there are different lung cancer treatments in India, one must decide the appropriate treatment according to the type, size, and spread of the tumour. The treatment aims to fight cancer and restore its ability to eliminate the cancer cells in the future.
About The Author
Dr. Tarang Krishna
Dr. Tarang Krishna, Director at Cancer Healer Center, is the perfect epitome of perseverance and dedication.
He has an impressive educational background to his credit. He completed his under-graduation in Medicine and Surgery from Pune, India and did his MD (Hom) from Agra University, India.Thesis on MD was on "Treatment of cancer" where he presented cases of almost 100 patients and the response of the medicines in the treatment of cancer. He then completed his Ph.d in Oncology from the United Kingdom and his thesis on the ‘Efficacy of Medicines in the Treatment of Cancer’ is greatly commemorated and honored.
He befittingly represents alternate medicine and has contributed significantly towards the development and research of immunotherapy.
Through his nationwide chain of “Cancer Healer Center” clinics he strives to offer superior cancer treatment, using immunotherapy.
