If you are a hardcore ‘The Big Bang Theory’ fan, then you would remember Lucy, for sure. For the unversed, Kate Mirucci as Lucy was a painfully shy girl and a potential love interest for Raj, one of the four male main characters of the highly acclaimed sitcom.
The actress who played Lucy, Kate Mirucci, recently took the internet by storm with her lung cancer diagnosis. What added to the surprise was the fact that she never smoked a cigarette. However, she is one of the many patients who have been diagnosed with cancer for which the primary cause is smoking, despite the fact that they never did it. So what can be the reason?
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer where the growth of abnormal cells starts in the lungs and then grows at an uncontrollable pace. It can begin with a continuous sense of fatigue, a seemingly incurable cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and in the worst case scenario, can also go up to coughing blood. Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all cancer-related deaths, which makes up approximately 18% of all.
Also Read: Types Of Lung Cancer
What Are The Symptoms Of Lung Cancer For Non-Smokers?
Smoker or not, the symptoms of lung cancer are the same for everyone. It can either be general symptoms of not feeling well or can be directly related to lungs and respiration. Here are a few symptoms that can be observed:
- Uncontrollable Cough
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Consistent fatigue
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Recurring bouts of pneumonia
- Swollen lymph nodes in the chest
What Types Of Lung Cancer Develop In Non-Smokers?
According to the CDC, adenocarcinomas are common among patients with no smoking history and make 50-60% of all diagnoses. Squamous cell carcinomas are found in 10-20% and 6-8% are diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.
Also Read: Lesser Known Signs Of Lung Cancer
Why Is Lung Cancer Diagnosis Becoming More Common In Non-Smokers?
According to Dr. Arunesh Kumar, Sr. Consultant & Head- Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine, Paras Heath, the reason behind the increasing cases of lung cancer in non-smokers is multi-fold. However, a major cause can be environmental deterioration. Pollution has been on the rise and most pollutants are known carcinogens. As everyone inhales these particles all year round, it only makes sense that they facilitate the growth of cancer. Other reasons can be consistent with secondhand smoke, radon, a family history of lung cancer, etc.
If you are someone who doesn’t smoke, you can lower your risk of lung cancer by staying away from arsenic, asbestos, secondhand smoke, diesel exhaust, and air pollution, in general. However, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional in case you have a family history of such conditions as these risk factors can’t be changed.