Why do young non-smokers in their 20s develop lung cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old female, and I want to tell you something about my best friend who is diagnosed with lung cancer. She had no health issues before, and she does not smoke.

We are both very shocked and frankly quite concerned because we always thought that this disease is something that happens to older people with a smoking history. She only had a mild cough and some tiredness, but her scans showed a tumor in her lung.

Why do young non-smokers in their 20s develop lung cancer?
Could genetics or air pollution be responsible?
Also, is it advisable for other family members to take early screening tests to be safe?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I can understand your concern.

I can understand your concern for your friend, as she has been diagnosed with lung cancer at a very young age. Despite being rare, there have been cases of lung cancer among young individuals, including non-smokers.

In answer to your question about lung cancer screening in families, I would like to say that routine lung cancer screening is not recommended for all individuals, only those older than 50 and at increased risk due to such factors as heavy smoking or family history of lung cancer. If there is someone else in her family who is at high risk, he or she should talk to the doctor.

Now, with regard to your friend, I would like to assure you that lung cancer is highly treatable. Depending on the type of lung cancer and the stage, it can be successfully treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted or immunotherapy. As a result, tumors are greatly reduced or even disappear completely, and people become cancer-free.

However, the exact reason is not known in all cases. In some cases, it may be due to genetic alterations, even in the absence of any family history. Other possible causes include exposure to radiation, some chemicals present in the environment, air pollution, and even second-hand smoke. In most cases, however, there is no specific identifiable reason.

The best course of action at this point would be for you to try to console her and persuade her to start treatment at the earliest. A healthy diet, being as active as possible, and keeping herself healthy in general will also help her through the course of treatment. I really hope she responds positively to her treatment.

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

Thank you.