In one study, British researchers found that over seven years the proportion of U.K. never-smokers with non-small cell lung cancer jumped from 13 percent to 28 percent. A study of lung cancer patients at three U.S. hospitals reported that
never-smokers accounted for a growing percentage of non-small cell lung
cancer patients between 1990 and 2013. These nonsmokers with lung cancer
were more likely to be women, the researchers said.
The increased proportion of nonsmokers with lung cancer
doesn't seem to be due to better diagnostic methods, she said. However,
Pelosof acknowledged her team's findings need to be confirmed in other
studies, noting that one limitation of her research is that
participants' smoking status was self-reported. Reckamp said other studies are looking at genetic
risk and family history to zero in on who might be at risk for these
cancers, despite no tobacco exposure.
Most lung cancers don't cause noticeable symptoms
until the disease is advanced, says the American Cancer Society.
However, if you have a persistent cough or bronchitis or hoarseness, the society recommends seeing your doctor for a checkup.
Experts said they can't explain why nonsmokers are a growing proportion
of lung cancer diagnoses, or why women seem especially vulnerable.
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