Why Do Non-Smokers End Up with Lung Cancer?
It may not surprise anyone to know how prevalent lung cancer is in Singapore. Three Singaporeans die from it every day1, making it the second most common cancer among men and the third most common cancer among women here.
But here’s the shocking part: out of all these patients, a third are people who have never smoked2. How does a person get lung cancer having not touched a single cigarette? Here are a few risk factors that potentially increase the likelihood:
1. Second-hand smoke
Non-smokers may not take smoke breaks, but that doesn’t mean they’re in a smoke-free environment. Accompanying a friend on a smoke break, being in close contact with smokers, or simply being in places such as the alfresco area of a restaurant or bar increases one’s exposure to second-hand smoke.
2. Environmental pollutants
Cigarettes are a common source of second-hand smoke but they are not the only one. Both outdoor and indoor air pollutants can contribute too. Consultant medical oncologist Wong Seng Weng cites diesel fuel as an example, calling it a “particularly problematic outdoor pollutant”3.
Studies have shown that burning coal and biomass, especially in places with poor air ventilation, may also increase the risk. These are especially grave concerns for people who work in specific professions and are subject to workplace exposure of exhaust fumes and other chemicals.
3. Radiation
Generally, exposure to radiation such as in the form of X-rays can lead to greater risk of different types of cancers. Ironically, there have been cases of people getting cancer from doing radiation therapy to treat another type of cancer4.
While this is no reason to avoid X-ray scans, it is something to consider and to consult with the doctor when making decisions about your healthcare.
4. Genetics
While it is a less common reason, genetic inheritance can greatly increase the risk for certain cancers.
Others inherit a reduced ability to break down cancer-causing chemicals in the body. While family history is not a definitive indicator, it could mean you have a higher predisposition to cancer.
MSIG’s CancerCare Plus
Despite its prevalence, most people tend to get complacent about lung cancer because the symptoms don’t usually show up till it is in the late stage.
Even when the symptoms do show up, they are often presented as seemingly benign issues such as coughing, tiredness or poor appetite – a good reminder of why we should go for regular health screening and get any health issues checked early.
No matter how unlikely a cancer diagnosis may seem, it is important for everyone — of varying ages, lifestyles and habits — to stay prepared with adequate healthcare protection.
MSIG’s CancerCare Plus comes with a full $100,000 cover, half of which can be paid out for early-stage cancer diagnoses. Receiving the early-stage payout does not void the policy, and in the event of a major cancer diagnosis further down the road, you can still get the remaining $50,000 payout. Premiums start from less than 15 cents a day, and you can purchase it easily by answering 3 simple health questions online.
Surely, when it comes to your health, it is not something you want to be passive about. Manage your financial wellness with CancerCare Plus today!
Sources
- https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/non-smokers-make-up-almost-half-of-lung-cancer-patients-in-spore
- https://www.sgh.com.sg/news/others/why-non-smokers-get-lung-cancer
- https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/it-started-dry-cough-and-fatigue-then-non-smoker-finds-out-she-has-stage-4-lung-cancer
- https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/what-second-cancer
