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A group of experts in respiratory medicine and public health are calling for greater recognition of lung cancer among non-smokers. Write in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, lung cancer in people who have never smoked is underestimated and poses a diagnostic challenge, especially for general practitioners seeking to balance over-investigation with early diagnosis and high-quality care.
In the UK, it is estimated that about 6,000 people who have never smoked are dying each year from lung cancer, a higher number than those who died from cervical cancer (900 ), lymphoma (5,200), leukemia (4,500) and ovarian cancer (4,200). ).
The main contributors to lung cancer in non-smokers are second-hand smoke, exposure to occupational carcinogens and outdoor pollution. On a global scale, the use of solid fuels for indoor cooking and exposure to second-hand smoke are important contributions to lung cancer in non-smokers and affect disproportionately women.
Lead author Professor Paul Cosford, director of health protection and medical director of Public Health England, said, "According to this article, about 6,000 people who never smoked die of lung cancer every year in the UK, the eighth leading cause of cancer death in the UK.
"Lung cancer has only been considered a smoking-related disease for too long, but it remains an important badociation, but as this work shows, the scale of the challenge makes it necessary." educate clinicians and policymakers about other risk factors, including indoor and outdoor air pollution.
"This is one of the reasons why PHE published its evidence report and recommended specific measures to local authorities to improve the quality of their air.With the promise of clean air generation, we can reduce number of lung cancers among those who have never smoked. "
Professor and co-author Mick Peake, clinical director of the Cancer Research Center at University College London Cancer Hospitals, said: "Despite advances in our understanding, most people who have never smoked do not believe not be in danger and often suffer long delays in diagnosis, reducing their chances of receiving curative treatment. "
Professor Peake added, "The stigma of smoking has been the main factor behind the lack of interest, knowledge and research about lung cancer. smokers who develop lung cancer are therefore at a disadvantage.
"Drawing attention to the contribution of risk factors underlying lung cancer in non-smokers is one way to strengthen efforts to address other major public health challenges. Impact of Pbadive Smoking and Air Pollution on Lung Cancers Strengthens Government Ambitions To improve air quality and the public, clinicians and policy makers must all be aware of this relationship. "
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