While tobacco smoking is the leading cause, is it possible to get lung cancer without smoking? The answer is yes. Lung cancer in non-smokers is nothing uncommon. A person with a lengthy history of smoking is frequently the first person that comes to mind when we think of lung cancer.
Nevertheless, lung cancer may strike anybody, not just smokers. What data suggest is lung cancer affects about 15-20% of non-smoker men and about 50% of non-smoker women. Reach out to the leading cancer doctor in Siliguri for lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management.
What Causes Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
Non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to:
- Secondhandsmoke
- Radon gas
- Air pollution
- Genetics
- Occupational exposure to asbestos, arsenic, and other carcinogens in workplaces.
Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Here’s What You Should Watch for:
- Persistent Cough
It is never appropriate to avoid a persistent, unexplained cough that lasts longer than two weeks. It may appear to be a seasonal allergy or the common cold, but if you notice that it persists or worsens over time, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, weight loss, coughing up blood vomiting, it may be a warning sign.
- Shortness of Breath
Nonsmokers with lung cancer may have trouble breathing. And, ongoing breathing issues are never to be ignored. Shortness of breath is one of the early signs here, mostly in stage 1 lung cancer. This breathing issue may come when resting or during physical activity.
- Chest Pain
Persistent chest discomfort, particularly if it is localized or acute, may indicate lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers. Deep breathing, coughing, or laughing may make this discomfort worse, which is a sign that you should see a doctor.
You may feel chest tightness or pain when you breathe deeply or cough because of a tumor pressing on the nerves or causing tightness in the chest. Talk to the leading cancer doctor in Siliguri City today.
- Unexplained Fatigue
You may notice a general sense of tiredness that doesn’t improve with time. Energy can be depleted by cancer.Chronic tiredness or fatigue that doesn't go away with rest may be a sign of lung cancer or another underlying condition, which needs immediate diagnosis.
- Unintended Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a common sign in almost every cancer. As per medical reports, cancer cells need more energy than healthy cells do; therefore, the body starts to burn more calories. Also, tumor cells produce appetite-reducing chemicals in the blood, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.
- Hoarseness or Voice Changes
You should be tested if you have a hoarse voice or if you detect any changes in your voice that stay for more than two weeks. These could happen if the nerves that regulate the voice chords are irritated or under strain.
- Ongoing Infections
There may be more recurrent respiratory diseases like pneumonia or bronchitis. Lung tumors can block airways, increasing the risk of infection and making treatment more difficult. For optimal lung cancer treatment, you might see your doctor at the best cancer hospital in Siliguri.
- Blood in Sputum or Cough
You should always be concerned if you see blood when you cough. Any quantity, no matter how tiny, needs medical attention because it can be a sign of lung cancer and should be treated without delay.
Consulting a healthcare provider/doctor is vital. If you have a family history or you suspect lung cancer, do not delay seeing a doctor because early diagnosis and proper treatment can give the best outcome possible. Visit the best cancer doctor in Siliguri today and receive optimum healthcare.
