Can a non-smoker develop lung cancer with liver metastasis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 56-year-old female weighing 149 pounds. I have been a non-smoker throughout my life. However, I was recently diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, stage 4 with liver metastasis, which was really shocking both to me and to my family. My perception about lung cancer is that it only affects smokers.

Can a non-smoker develop stage 4 NSCLC with liver metastasis at the age of 56?
What could be the possible reasons for this type of cancer?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand how frightening and overwhelming. Of course, it was because he got diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in stage 4. Even though cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, one should understand that even non-smokers may have this condition.

It is not always clear what causes a non-smoker to have lung cancer. Mostly, this type of cancer occurs due to the development of genetic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mutations.

However, there are other factors that might contribute to its development, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, radon, air pollution, work-related exposure to asbestos or silica, radiation treatment on the chest, and genetically acquired problems. Sometimes, there is no clear cause.

The good news is that many cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in people who have never smoked, may carry specific genetic alterations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), or ROS1 rearrangements.

This may sensitize the cancer to targeted drugs that bring about a good outcome. In cases where such mutations do not exist, you may have chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a targeted drug for any other mutation, or a combination of these treatment modalities based on the tumor profile.

The good thing is that many individuals respond positively to modern treatments; there is regression in the size of the primary lung tumor and the metastases. Nevertheless, the extent of response varies from one individual to another; therefore, it is impossible to say the cancer will be gone completely.

You should continue with the treatment as advised by your oncologist. Other things that can help you through the treatment process include having adequate nutrition, drinking plenty of water, being physically active, and getting emotional support from loved ones.

Though cancer stage 4 is advanced, it is not the end of life. There are many people who live longer because of modern treatment regimens.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.