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Many people think lung cancer only happens to people who smoke. But lung cancer can happen to anyone, even people who have never smoked. Learning about lung cancer can help you protect yourself and your family.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The good news is that when lung cancer is found early, before it spreads, it is easier to treat. For many people with early-stage lung cancer, treatments such as surgery can remove the cancer completely. This is why finding lung cancer early can save lives.
For Asian Americans, it is important to know that lung cancer is not always linked to smoking. Some Asian Americans, especially women, can get lung cancer even if they have never smoked. Doctors are still studying why this happens. Some possible reasons include radon in the home, family history, breathing secondhand smoke, air pollution, and certain genes. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the ground. You cannot see, smell, or taste it. But it can build up inside homes and raise the risk of lung cancer. Breathing smoke or fumes from cooking in kitchens without good airflow may also increase risk. These things show that everyone should pay attention to lung health.
There are also myths about lung cancer. One myth is, “I never smoked, so I don’t have to worry.” The truth is that lung cancer can happen to people who have never smoked. Another myth is, “I don’t have symptoms, so I must be fine.” Early lung cancer usually has no symptoms. Knowing your risks and talking to a healthcare provider are important.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice:
- A cough that does not go away
- A hoarse voice
- Chest pain – a persistent, dull ache or feeling of pressure
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
Lung cancer screening can find cancer before symptoms appear. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for adults who:
- Are 50 to 80 years old, AND
- Have a 20 pack-year* or greater smoking history OR
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
If you think you may qualify, ask your healthcare provider whether lung cancer screening is right for you. (*Pack years – Cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by years smoked. For example, 1 pack per day for 30 years is 1×30 = 30 pack years. 2 packs per day for 10 years is 2*10 = 20 pack years.)
You can also help lower your risk by:
- Not smoking
- Testing your home for radon
- Avoiding secondhand smoke
- Improving ventilation while cooking
- Staying up to date with routine medical checkups
- Discussing your family history and personal risk factors with your healthcare provider
If English is not your preferred language, interpreter service may be available. Contact the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) Patient Navigator Program at (301) 760–7050 if you need interpreter services or ask for an interpreter when scheduling an appointment with your doctor. AAHI encourages you to talk with your healthcare provider about your lung health.
Community members are also encouraged to check if they qualify for free lung cancer screening through Holy Cross Health’s Early Lung Cancer Action Program or MedStar Health’s Lung Cancer Screening services.
