For decades, lung cancer has been closely associated with smoking. While smoking remains the leading cause, that single narrative no longer tells the full story, and it may be causing some people to overlook important warning signs. Today, up to 20% of lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who have never smoked, and a growing number of those patients are women under 50. Experts now say environmental and genetic factors are playing a larger role than many people realize.
Environmental Risks You Can’t See or Smell
“We’re seeing lung cancer in patients who don’t fit the traditional profile,” says Gerald Colvin, DO, Medical Director of the South County Health Cancer Center. “Younger patients and nonsmokers are being diagnosed more frequently, and that tells us we need broader awareness.”
January is National Radon Action Month. One of the most significant contributors to lung cancer in nonsmokers is radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and impossible to detect without testing. Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations and build up over time without any visible warning signs.
In Rhode Island, the risk is especially high. One in three homes statewide has elevated radon levels, and in towns like Richmond and Exeter, that number rises to one in two homes. This is largely due to the state’s geology, granite-rich bedrock left exposed by glacial activity during the Ice Age.
“Radon exposure can happen early in life, and tumors may not develop until decades later,” explains Dr. Colvin. “That’s why testing is so important. In my opinion, every home in Rhode Island should be tested.”
Testing for radon and reducing exposure is one of the most effective forms of primary prevention for lung cancer, especially for people who have never smoked.
Why Early Detection Makes Such a Difference
Annual low-dose CT scans are recommended for individuals who:
- Are between the ages of 50–80
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Research also shows that women with a history of smoking are more sensitive to lung cancer development than men who smoked the same amount. Additionally, lung cancer in never-smokers is more common in women (20–25%) than in men (5–10%), though scientists are still working to understand why.
Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- A persistent cough or new wheezing
- Coughing up blood or bloody sputum
- Recurrent lung infections
- Chest pain unrelated to activity
- Unexplained weight loss
- Progressive shortness of breath
“Smoking history shouldn’t be the only factor people consider,” Dr. Colvin emphasizes. “Awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. Early attention truly saves lives.”
