Medical Myths: All about lung cancer
Feb 1, 2025
3 min read
Introduction
Because November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the latest edition of Medical Myths tackles lung cancer. Among a range of misunderstandings and mistruths, we cover pollution, surgery, risk factors, and talcum powder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, there were 218,520 new cases of lung cancer and 142,080 related deaths in the United States.
Globally, in 2020, lung cancer was the second most common cancer after breast cancer, with 2.21 millionTrusted Source cases. It was responsible for 1.8 million deaths.
Although prevalent, lung cancer is commonly misunderstood. To help us get to the truth of the matter, we enlisted the help of Dr. Fred R. Hirsch, executive director of the Center of Excellence for Thoracic Oncology at Mount Sinai’s Tisch Cancer Institute, in New York City. He is also the Joe Lowe and Louis Price Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
1. Only smokers develop lung cancer
As Dr. Hirsch explained to Medical News Today, “That is not correct, and unfortunately, it’s a very hurtful myth and causes stigma.”
According to the CDC, around 10–20%Trusted Source of people with lung cancer in the U.S. never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lives.
Every year, around 7,300 deathsTrusted Source from lung cancer among nonsmokers are from secondhand smoke, the CDC reports, and a further 2,900 are from radon exposure.
2. There is no way to reduce the risk
“There are several ways to reduce lung cancer risk,” explained Dr. Hirsch. “First and foremost is smoking prevention and smoking cessation.”
For anyone who is trying to give up smoking, here are some evidence-based tips to help.
Dr. Hirsch also described the importance of limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, which is sometimes called passive smoking. According to the CDC:
“Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20–30%Trusted Source.”
“Other smoking products are also considered to be a potential risk for lung cancer development,” Dr. Hirsch said.
Takeaway
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