Lung Cancer in Never Smokers—An Underappreciated Public Health Burden
Md MohiuddinABSTRACT
Background
Lung cancer in lifelong never‐smokers represents a significant public health burden, although it is underappreciated. Lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS) accounts for a substantial proportion of lung cancer cases, representing ~15%–25% depending on the geographic region. If considered as a separate disease entity, LCINS would represent a major cause of cancer‐related mortality.
Discussion
Importantly, never‐smokers with lung cancer have distinct epidemiology, molecular alterations, and therapeutic opportunities that differ from those of tobacco‐related lung cancer. This perspective addresses lung cancer in lifelong never‐smokers from four perspectives: epidemiology and incidence, molecular landscape and treatment, screening and early detection, and public health strategies.
Conclusion
This perspective highlights that a comprehensive approach to lung cancer in never‐smokers can meaningfully reduce the burden of disease through comprehensive screening approaches, stringent environmental regulations, molecular characterization of cancer, and educational approaches aimed at preventing disease.