# Lung cancer now a threat to non-smokers too 2026-08-14T00:48:57+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Lung cancer among people who have never smoked is now recognised globally as a distinct disease and would rank among the leading causes of cancer deaths if counted separately, Mathrubhumi reports. The shift means the old assumption that only smokers get lung cancer is dangerously incomplete. Factors such as second-hand smoke, outdoor air pollution, indoor biomass smoke from cooking, occupational exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust, and inherited genetic mutations are all linked to the disease. Many non-smokers harbour treatable genetic changes, but vague early symptoms like a persistent cough or weight loss are often ignored because the patient does not smoke. The article calls for removing stigma and encouraging timely medical evaluation for everyone, regardless of smoking history. ## Coverage - english.mathrubhumi.com Tags: air pollution, early diagnosis, indoor smoke, lung cancer, non-smokers, stigma Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/lung-cancer-now-a-threat-to-non-smokers-too/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/lung-cancer-now-a-threat-to-non-smokers-too/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.