Nonsmoking Women and Lung Cancer: What to Know

Nonsmoking women are not immune to lung cancer, but they are less likely to develop it than smoking women. In the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, but only about 10% of lung cancer cases occur in nonsmoking women.

There are a number of risk factors for lung cancer in nonsmoking women, including:

* Exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker and then breathed in by a nonsmoker. It contains many of the same harmful chemicals as firsthand smoke, and it can increase the risk of lung cancer by up to 30%.

* Exposure to radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is found in the air and soil, and it can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation.

* Exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once used in a variety of building materials. It can cause lung cancer if inhaled.

* Family history of lung cancer. If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing the disease yourself.

* Certain medical conditions. Some medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can increase the risk of lung cancer.

* A diet low in fruits and vegetables. A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

If you are a nonsmoking woman, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer, including:

* Avoiding secondhand smoke. This is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer.

* Testing your home for radon gas. If you live in an area where radon gas is a problem, you should test your home for radon and take steps to reduce the level of radon in your home if it is high.

* Avoiding exposure to asbestos. If you work in a job that exposes you to asbestos, you should take precautions to protect yourself from inhaling asbestos fibers.

* Eating a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce your risk of lung cancer.

* Getting regular exercise. Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and well-being, and it may also reduce your risk of lung cancer.

If you are a nonsmoking woman who is concerned about your risk of lung cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and develop a plan to reduce your risk.