Although tobacco contributes to 90% of Lung Cancer cases, it can occur due to several other reasons. Do you think lungs cancer causes only in smokers? No! It has many other reasons. To protect you from fatal lung cancer, one must know the non-smoking causes of lung cancer. Tobacco contributes 87% of lung cancers in India. However, 3% of cases of Lung Cancer are caused by exposure to second-hand smoking. Since Lung Cancer is the number one Cancer in Males in India, everyone should know the reasons. Lung Cancer is one of the highest killers of Indians, as per a recent survey. Now, learn what else causes Lung Cancer besides smoking and ways you can protect yourself.
Radon Pollution
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas which is one of the biggest causes of Lung Cancer after smoking. Radon is formed when the naturally occurring Uranium in the soil breaks down and seeps into the home through leaks in the floors, walls or foundation. This can be prevented through a home detection kit and can be avoided with the help of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Air Pollution in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared outdoor air pollution as a cancer-causing agent in 2013. The risk is greatest in Indian cities where 22 of 30 cities are highly polluted. India is the third highest polluted country in the world. The air pollution worsens in the events of Diwali and Holi with outdoor activities. So, must take precaution while stepping out and monitor the outdoor air quality in your locality. Limit your children to play outside and don’t take them to busy marketplaces particularly if, you are staying in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Passive Smoking
Passive Smoking is more dangerous than direct smoking! A person exposed to passive smoking directly inhales the harmful carcinogens such as N-nitrosamine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). 25% of all Lung Cancer is caused by Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure (passive smoking) in nonsmokers
Genetic Factors
Some genes carry cancer-causing agents. People with a family history of Lung Cancer are more likely to face the risk. In some cases, smokers pass on the habit of smoking to other family members. Although anyone can’t change their genes, they can take extra care to prevent the deadly disease. Don’t smoke and avoid passive smoking.
Asbestosis
Check for asbestos in buildings and homes. Government regulations have restricted the use of cancer-causing fiber in buildings of houses and buildings. So, comply with the norms of asbestos regulation and consult your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos.
Workplace Hazards
Some jobs especially construction, nuclear reactor exposure, and coal-mining expose more too hazardous air. This includes Uranium, higher dust particles, carbon dust, and –harmful chemicals. So, workers in chemicals, minerals, and mining industry; tar and soot; or diesel exhaust are at higher risks of lung cancer. They should always use protective gear or talk to their employee. If you or any of your dear ones are in such jobs, you can the Occupational Safety & Health Administration to check for safety standards.
Radiation Therapy
People who receive radiation therapy for diseases like breast cancer are at higher risk of lung cancer. Treating these fatal diseases may have many harmful impacts on health due to a higher dose of radiation and chemicals. A patient suffering from such disease which requires radiation, it should be considered as the last resort weighing its negative and positive impacts.
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Arsenic poisoning is high in states of West Bengal where groundwater is contaminated. Arsenic is a leading cause of Lung Cancer in people who directly drink from tap water and wells in South and Southeast Asia. Water treatment facilities may help in such places or a safe public water outlet can ensure proper safety of people.