Lung Cancer rising Among Non-smokers: A Growing Concern

On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day, commemorated every November 17, the Andalusian Society of Medical oncology (SAOM) wants to draw attention to a growing and still little visible phenomenon: the sustained increase in lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked. This trend, observed both in clinical practice and in regional and national registries, requires broadening the focus on prevention and early diagnosis of this tumor beyond its customary link with smoking.

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death in Andalusia and Spain, responsible for approximately 20% of oncological deaths and with nearly 3,000 new diagnoses annually in the Andalusian community, according to estimates by the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN). Although tobacco continues to be the main risk factor, present in around 80% of cases, oncologists warn that up to one in five diagnoses already occurs in non-smokers, with a profile that also differs from the classic one: higher incidence in women, younger patients and tumors with specific molecular characteristics.

“Lung cancer in non-smokers is neither an exception nor a clinical rarity. It is indeed a growing reality that requires adapted public health policies, greater research and a different look at the causes and prevention methods of the disease,” emphasizes Dr. Jesús Corral, president of the SAOM.

Beyond tobacco: environmental, genetic and occupational factors

Among the risk factors not associated with tobacco consumption, oncologists highlight prolonged exposure to urban and industrial atmospheric pollutants, radon gas (naturally present in granite soils and poorly ventilated homes), as well as certain occupational exposures (asbestos, silica, aromatic hydrocarbons or solvents).In recent years, molecular research has also identified specific genetic alterations, such as mutations in the EGFR, ALK or ROS1 genes, which are much more frequent in non-smoking patients, and which determine both the evolution of the disease and the response to treatment.

“Understanding the mechanisms that cause lung cancer in non-smoking people is key to advancing its prevention. We know that ther is an environmental component and a genetic component, and therefore the response must combine surveillance, public health measures, and further investigation.”

Publication Date: 2025/11/17 16:16:16