In the UK, experts say that 1 in 6 people dying of lying cancer are non-smokers.
Lung Cancer is notoriously known as a ‘Smoker’s Disease’. However, it is becoming increasingly common amongst non-smokers, especially women. Why is this?
Car fumes, second-hand smoking and air pollution are increasingly affecting those who do not smoke. The rising incidence of lung cancer has sparked a reevaluation of the factors affecting a patient’s risk of lung cancer other than smoking history. Genetic predispositions play a crucial role in the incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers. Recent studies have identified specific genetic mutations, such as alterations in the EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 genes, which are seen to be more prevalent in lung cancer patients who have never smoked. These mutations can influence tumour behaviour and response to treatment, making genetic testing a vital component of personalised medical care for lung cancer.
However, currently, only smokers and ex-smokers are screened for Lung Cancer by medical professionals. But what about the non-smokers? Lung cancer prediction calculators, such as the PLCO calculator, are geared towards those who have previously smoked or are currently smokers. There is a lack of sufficient tools to determine a non-smoker’s risk of lung cancer. This narrow-minded approach influences medical decisions and, with patients that are not smokers, the risk of lung cancer may be overlooked.
Our aim is to combat this issue by taking an approach that is highly individualised to each patient that considers the genetic backgrounds and other holistic characteristics of all patients, including non-smokers. By creating a more accurate prediction model that targets all individuals, we hope to enable early detection and screening for lung cancer.
Check out this article by the Guardian more a deeper insight into why non-smokers get cancer: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/apr/26/you-do-think-why-me-the-shocking-rise-of-lung-cancer-in-non-smokers