Lung Cancer Can Affect Non-Smokers: Risks and Symptoms to Watch

Lung cancer is not limited to people who smoke. People who have never smoked cigarettes can also develop the disease, making awareness of other risk factors important.

Air pollution and secondhand smoke are among the factors that can increase risk. Avoiding cigarettes is an important preventive measure, but it does not eliminate the possibility of developing lung cancer.

Symptoms that warrant medical attention include a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss and ongoing breathlessness. These symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but they should not be ignored.

Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms should seek medical advice, regardless of their smoking history. Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and polluted air can help limit risk, but it is not a substitute for having symptoms assessed.