Risk factors for lung cancer in never-smokers.

What is it about?

Although tobacco smoking is responsible for the great majority of lung cancers, 15-25% of cases occur in lifelong never-smokers. Lung cancer in never-smokers has been recognised as a distinct disease entity from that in ever-smokers, and its significant impact has been indicated by being ranked in 2000 as the seventh most common cause of cancer death worldwide. It is therefore very important to identify and quantify the risk factors for lung cancer in never-smokers.

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Why is it important?

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in never-smokers globally. Yet its quantified link with lung cancer risk among never-smokers is not well established. This is the first meta-analysis to quantify the association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer risk for life-long never-smokers, along with evidence to support a synergistic effect of radon exposure with tobacco smoking. Also, lung cancer risk associated with residential radon may be greater for men than women among never-smokers.