What May Cause Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, people who smoke tobacco aren’t the only ones at risk of developing lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases each year happen in people who never smoke.

Nonsmokers can develop lung cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution, radioactive gases such as radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other harmful chemicals.

According to the CDC, about 50% to 60% of lung cancers found in nonsmokers are adenocarcinomas, which is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in the cells that line the tiny air sacs in the lungs and make substances such as mucus. Additionally, about 10% to 20% are squamous cell carcinomas, cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the lungs, and 6% to 8% are small cell lung cancers, and the rest are other types of lung cancer.

Lung cancers in nonsmokers are often different than those that are in smokers, as they usually develop in younger people, and often have certain gene changes that differ from those in tumors found in smokers.

A person’s genes can influence their risk of developing certain diseases, including some types of cancer, as some genes help control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die. These genes are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Oncogenes help cells grow, divide, or stay alive. Tumor suppressor genes help control cell division or cause cells to die at the right time.

Cancer can develop when any DNA changes that activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes occur. These changes in many different genes are usually needed to cause cancer to develop. The two primary types of gene changes are inherited gene changes and acquired gene changes.

Inherited gene changes are gene changes passed down from a person’s parents. These inherited changes to a person’s DNA may increase their risk of developing certain cancers.

Acquired gene changes cannot be inherited but are acquired during a person’s lifetime and may occur in any individual cell. Certain acquired gene changes can affect the cell’s ability to control how it grows and will ultimately mutate a non-cancer cell into a cancer cell.

It is more common for nonsmoking women, especially Asian nonsmoking women, to develop lung cancer, as they are more than twice as likely to develop it as male nonsmokers. This is due to women having an acquired gene change, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Symptoms of lung cancer are the same for smokers and nonsmokers. Lung cancer symptoms include:

Feeling tired or weak all the time

Loss of appetite

A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse

Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm

Chest pains

Shortness of breath

Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness

Bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back

Wheezing

If a smoker is exhibiting symptoms of lung cancer, they should see a healthcare provider.

Although there isn’t any screening guidance for nonsmokers, taking steps such as being aware of lung cancer symptoms and reducing exposure to air pollutants and radon can help reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Some additional steps include:

Avoid secondhand smoke

Monitor the air quality in your community

Test your home for radon

Protect yourself at work by avoiding any chemicals or cleaning products that contain carcinogens

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments for lung cancer, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, early detection, and treatment options.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, ovarian, and kidney cancers combined.

Lung cancer is a kind of cancer that starts with the growth of cells in the lungs. It doesn’t usually cause symptoms early on; however, the symptoms of lung cancer occur when the disease is advanced. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer that happen in and around the lungs include:

A new cough that doesn’t go away

Chest pain

Coughing up blood

Hoarseness

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

In addition to the signs and symptoms of lung cancer in the lungs, some symptoms occur when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, including:

Bone pain

Headaches

Losing weight without trying

Loss of appetite

Swelling in the face or neck

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs develop changes in their DNA. A cell’s DNA holds instructions that tell a cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions also tell the cells to die at a set time.

In cancer cells, DNA changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to make many more cells quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells die, causing too many cells.

Cancer cells might form a tumor. The tumor can grow to invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body, causing metastatic cancer.

Smoking causes most lung cancer. It can cause lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers who have been exposed to secondhand smoke. However, people who have never smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke can develop lung cancer.

Researchers believe smoking causes lung cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. When cigarette smoke is inhaled, carcinogens immediately cause changes in the lung tissue. The body may be able to repair the damage at first, but with each repeated exposure, healthy cells lining the lungs become more damaged. Over time, the damage causes cells to change, eventually developing into cancer.

Lung cancer is divided into two major types based on the appearance of cells under a microscope. The two general types of lung cancer include:

Small-cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer

A lung cancer diagnosis often starts with an imaging test to look at the lungs for signs of cancer before it develops. Other tests used to diagnose lung cancer include:

Sputum cytology

Biopsy

There are also additional tests that can be performed if a person is diagnosed with lung cancer to see if the cancer has spread. These tests allow a healthcare provider to know what stage the cancer is in. The stages of lung cancer range from 1 to 4. These staging tests often involve imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, bone scans, and a PET scan. If the cancer is in stage 1, the cancer is small and only in the lung. As cancer grows larger or spreads outside of the lungs, the numbers get higher. Stage 4 lung cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for lung cancer usually begins with surgery to remove the cancer. However, if the cancer is very large or has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may not be possible. As an alternative, treatment may start with medicine and radiation instead. A healthcare team will consider many factors when creating a treatment plan. These factors may include:

Overall health

The type and stage of cancer

The patient’s preferences

Another type of treatment for lung cancer is palliative care. Palliative care specialists will work with the patient, their family, and healthcare team to provide extra support while the patient goes through their cancer treatment.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a sure way to prevent lung cancer. However, you can reduce your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, eating a diet of fruits and vegetables, and exercising most days of the week.

If you would like to learn more about lung cancer treatments, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Could Smoking Be The Cause Of My Infertility?

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Joann Ariola

The last week in April has been designated National Infertility Awareness Week (IVF). The observance is meant to bring awareness to the millions of Americans who are facing challenges when becoming pregnant; while removing any stigmas and barriers that remain in the way of having a child using IVF.

Some causes of infertility in women are issues with ovulation (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections and unhealthy body weight. However, there have been multiple studies to support the theory that smoking has an adverse effect on fertility. Research has found that the prevalence of infertility is higher, and the time it takes to conceive is longer in smokers as compared to nonsmokers. It has also been proven that smoking can affect every stage of the reproductive process in both sexes because the chemicals in cigarettes can cause damage to both male sperm and female eggs.

In women, smoking can lead to many fertility problems, including:

Problems with the fallopian tubes, including blockages (preventing egg and sperm from meeting) and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Damage to the eggs as they develop in the ovaries.
Increased risk of miscarriage, possibly due to damaged eggs, damage to the developing fetus, or unfavorable changes in the uterine lining, which may make healthy implantation of an embryo less likely.

In addition, smoking can cause a woman’s eggs to age prematurely, leading to an earlier onset of menopause and a shorter window to conceive.

The good news is that the damage done to the female reproductive system as a result of smoking is reversible. Typically, after quitting smoking, your chance of natural fertility should become viable within a year or less.

If you want to have a baby, but you are a smoker, quit now! If you need help, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers smoking cessation services to help you. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

Are You At Risk for Asthma?

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people has asthma. That translates to more than 26 million Americans.

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell, producing extra mucus resulting in difficulty breathing.

If this narrowing and swelling occurs and worsens, it may lead to an asthma attack.

Some tips to help you prevent asthma symptoms from occurring include:

Family history of asthma
Viral respiratory infections as a child
Allergies
Smoking
Air Pollution
Obesity

Some strategies you help prevent the symptoms of asthma are:

Stop smoking and avoid public places where cigarette smoking occurs
Avoid outdoor exposure on heavy smog days
Adopt a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein
Avoid allergens that trigger asthma attacks, such as pet dander, dust, mites, mold and pollen.

If you have recurrent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a couple of days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma listed above, you should schedule an appointment to see your doctor since treating asthma early can help prevent long-term lung damace and reduce the likelihood of your asthma worsening over time.

If you would like to speak with a respiratory specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

What is a Peptic Ulcer and How do they Develop?

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in certain parts of your digestive tract. They occur when the protective layer of mucus that lines those areas erodes due to the buildup of acids. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to internal bleeding and other complications.

There are two types of peptic ulcer disease that are classified based on where they develop. When an ulcer forms on the stomach lining, it is referred to as a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is the name for an ulcer that appears at the top end of the small intestine. You can have ulcers at any age, but your chances of having one increases with age.

Peptic ulcers generally develop for two reasons:

Bacteria – One common type of bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) is a main cause for peptic ulcers. While as many as 50% of us carry this type of bacteria, most people infected with H. pylori do not get ulcers. For some however, it can raise the amount of acid produced, break down the protective mucus layer, and irritate the digestive tract.
Pain Relievers – Another cause for ulcers is prolonged use of pain relievers, such aspirin or medications that contain ibuprofen or naproxen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications block your body from making a chemical that help protect the inner walls of your stomach and small intestine from stomach acid.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are also contributing factors in the development of ulcers. It is a common misnomer is that stress and spicy foods can a lead to this condition. The fact is that while they are not factors in the formation of ulcers, they can make an existing condition worse.

Some people can have a peptic ulcer and not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms are present, the most common is a burning pain or discomfort between the naval and breastbone. The pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours, and may come and go for many days or weeks.

Other symptoms may include:

Bloated feeling
Burping
Difficulty breathing
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Feeling faint
Nausea
Bloody or dark stool
Vomiting

See a doctor if you experience any of these severe symptoms or if your pain does not go away with over the counter antacids. Your physician can diagnose a peptic ulcer by conducting an endoscopy. During this test, a thin, flexible tube is inserted down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine. The tube has a camera at the end to check the lining for ulcers.

Once confirmed, your doctor can prescribe certain medications designed to help protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine so the ulcer can heal.

To schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

The Effects of Smoking on the Skin

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. The skin is one area that smoking has a very noticeable effect and can be seen very easily.
There are thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke. Some of these can affect the skin’s elasticity which will lead to wrinkles and skin that looks baggy. Smoke also affects oxygenation of the blood which can lead to a change in skin tone and pallor.
Some other effects smoking can have on skin include:
• Psoriasis
• Hair thinning
• Yellow fingers
• Slower wound healing
• Cancerous skin lesions
Quitting smoking can reverse some of the negative effects. This is due to better oxygenation of the blood and also removal of the toxic chemicals from the body.
If you smoke and would like to quit, you can speak to your doctor and see what method would be best for you. Jamaica Hospital provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. We offer a free smoking support group every Wednesday, and there is also the availability of one on one sessions, both in person or by phone. More information is available at 718-206-8494.

National Birth Defect Prevention Month

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

January is Birth Defects Prevention Month. Among the most common birth defects is cleft lip. Cleft lip is a birth defect that occurs when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly in the womb. Collectively, these birth defects commonly are called “orofacial clefts”.

The lip forms between the fourth and seventh weeks of pregnancy. A cleft lip develops if the lip tissue does not join completely before birth, resulting in an opening of the upper lip. The opening in the lip varies in size from a small slit or a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose.

The causes of orofacial clefts among most infants are unknown. However, they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetics or other factors, such as things the mother comes in contact with in her environment, or what the mother eats or drinks, or certain medications she uses during pregnancy. Recently the Center for Disease Control reported findings from research studies about risk factors that increase the chance of infant orofacial cleft:

Smoking―Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with an orofacial cleft than women who do not smoke
Diabetes―Women with diabetes diagnosed before pregnancy have an increased risk of having a child with a cleft lip with or without cleft palate, compared to women who did not have diabetes
Use of certain medicines―Women who used certain medicines to treat epilepsy during the first trimester (the first 3 months) of pregnancy are at greater risk

Orofacial clefts, especially cleft lip with or without cleft palate, can be diagnosed during pregnancy during a routine ultrasound. Services and treatment for children with orofacial clefts can vary depending on:

The severity of the cleft
The child’s age and needs
The presence of associated syndromes
Other birth defects

Surgery to repair a cleft lip usually occurs in the first few months of life and is recommended within the first 12 months of life. Children born with orofacial clefts might need other types of treatments and services, such as special dental or orthodontic care or speech therapy.

If you are an expecting mother in need of a doctor, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Obstetrical Division practices family-centered care. The obstetrical unit is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment, including high tech monitors and sonographic equipment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6808.

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Electronic Cigarettes – Are They Safe ?

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

girn in cafe with E-Cigarette

Electronic cigarettes, or as they are more popularly called, e-cigarettes, are designed to look like traditional tobacco cigarettes. Though the e-cigarettes contain no tobacco, they can be harmful because they contain nicotine which is a cancer causing chemical.
Their manufacturers would like the public to believe that they are a safer alternative to cigarettes, but this may not be the case.

How they work – The user inhales through a mouthpiece similar to traditional cigarettes. This flow of air triggers a sensor that turns on a small battery operated heater. The heater warms up a capsule that contains nicotine and propylene glycol. The vapor that is created gives the user the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. The vapor from these e-cigarettes also contains formaldehyde and acetaldehyde which can also cause cancer.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has done a preliminary analysis of these devices and concluded that the vapors that they emit contain other carcinogens, such as nitrosamines and diethylene glycol. It is presumed that the effects of smoking these e-cigarettes would have similar second hand effects as regular tobacco products and their use should be regulated in a similar manner.

Though they have been marketed as an aid to stop smoking for those trying to quit, there is no evidence that proves that these e-cigarettes accomplish that goal.. If you smoke, or know someone who does, and are interested in quitting we recommend speaking with your physician. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our pulmonary specialists at 718-206-6742 who can assist you.

Facts About Lung Cancer

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. More people die each year from lung cancer than from colon, prostate ovarian, and breast cancer combined.

In the early stages there may not be any signs or symptoms. A history of smoking definitely contributes to a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease, though non-smokers also can develop lung cancer. Smoking causes cancer by irritating the lining of the lungs. This causes changes in the lung tissue. It is believed that the effects of smoking may be reversible in the very early phases but repeated exposure to the chemicals found in smoke will eventually be irreversible.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer include:
• A cough that doesn’t get better
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Weight loss that isn’t intentional

If lung cancer is suspected, a few tests to make the diagnosis definitive will be ordered. A chest x-ray will be performed and if there are any lesions found on the lung a CT scan will to get a better view of the lungs. An exam of the sputum can sometimes reveal lung cancer cells and to complete the diagnosis a lung biopsy will be done to examine the cells to see if they are cancerous.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment options vary and can include chemotherapy, radiation and / or surgery. A common surgical option is called a lobectomy, removal one of the lobes of the lung.

There is no way to prevent lung cancer, but the best way to reduce your risk is to not smoke. If you do smoke, quit immediately. Also avoid second hand smoke, radon, and harmful carcinogens.

The Benefits of Joining a Support Group- Quit Smoking Today

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

It is no secret that smoking can have a number of adverse effects on the health of a smoker and those they smoke near. The journey to quitting smoking has evolved from quitting cold turkey, to smoking patches, nicotine gum and today, electronic cigarettes. A more interactive way to stop smoking is by joining a support group.

There are several benefits associated with support groups that will keep you motivated and focused on your goal. Smoking cessation support groups help you to identify the mental, physical, and social aspects of smoking. Participants are six times more likely to be smoke-free one year later than those who quit on their own. Also, statistics have shown that up to 60% of smokers have quit by the end of the program.

The journey to quit smoking can be difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Jamaica Hospital’s smoking cessation team wants to help you develop a plan leading to your “quit day”.

Jamaica Hospital’s Medical Home Department has partnered with the American Lung Association to bring you Freedom from Smoking, a comprehensive and successful group-based smoking cessation program. Here you will participate in a series of sessions that prepare you for your quit day, provide lifestyle change tips, manage your stress, and help you stay tobacco-free for good.

Recently Jamaica hospital was recognized for its commitment to patient health and initiating comprehensive systems for identifying tobacco-using patients and linking them with smoking cessation resources. Additionally, the hospital earned the Gold Star Recognition from the New York City Department of Health’s- NYC Tobacco-Free Hospitals Campaign for its excellence in developing inpatient and outpatient tobacco cessation systems.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the American Lung Association to offer Freedom from Smoking, a comprehensive and successful group-based smoking cessation program.

Support group classes at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are forming. For more information or to register, please call 718-206-8494.