Non-smoking causes of lung cancer deaths overlooked because of cigarette stigma, experts say

The stigma attached to smoking has hindered lung cancer research into other causes
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Rebecca Speare-Cole26 April 2019

Non-smokers are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer as experts warn that it’s “more common than most people think.”

Around 6,000 “never-smokers” who have had less than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime die from the disease every year in the UK, according to a new study.

Indoor and outdoor pollution, including car fumes and second-hand smoke caused by cigarettes and wood-burning stoves raises the risk of lung cancer, experts say.

Death from lung cancer is now higher than cervical, ovarian and lymphoma cancers, according to a paper published today in the Royal Society of Medicine.

Professor Mick Peake from UCL Hospital Cancer Collaborative, who co-authored the report, urged greater work to tackle alternative causes of lung cancer to make sure people are diagnosed quicker.

Pollution is a big global killer other than smoking, research shows
PA

The study’s authors said lung cancer is the eight most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK, blaming the lack of research into the disease on the stigma surrounding smoking.

Professor Peake said: ‘Despite advances in our understanding, most people who have never smoked do not believe they are at risk and often experience long delays in diagnosis, reducing their chances of receiving curative treatment.

“The stigma of smoking has been the major factor behind the lack of interest in, knowledge of and research into lung cancer.

“Therefore, in many ways, never-smokers who develop lung cancer are, as a result, disadvantaged.”

Around 900 people die from cervical cancer, 4,200 from ovarian cancer and 5,200 from lymphoma in the UK every year.

Authors added: "Lung cancer in never-smokers is more common than most people think and on the rise: it is time to give this disease the recognition it deserves."

While smoking is still responsible for 86 per cent of cases of lung cancer in the UK, pollution and second-hand smoke are also connected.

86 per cent of lung cancer deaths are smoking related

A recent Public Health England report called for new measures to cut air pollution, including stopping cars idling near school gates and promoting carpool lanes.

Lead author, Professor Paul Cosford, director for health protection at PHE, said for too long having lung cancer has been thought of as only a smoking-related disease.

Although it’s an important association, he said awareness of other causes needs to be raised with clinicians and MPs to cut other risk factors like indoor and outdoor pollution.

He said: ‘This is one reason why PHE published its review of the evidence and recommended specific actions local authorities can take to improve their air quality.

"By delivering on the promise of a clean air generation we can reduce the number of lung cancers among those who have never smoked."

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