Cancer
Beyond tobacco: Lung cancer in nonsmokers
Here's what can predispose you to the deadliest malignancy, even if you've never taken a puff.
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Allison was like many patients who have lung cancer but never smoked: livid. Diagnosed in her mid-50s, she associated the malignancy solely with cigarettes. Though she's doing well eight years later thanks to a widening array of treatments, Allison never imagined she might one day be counted among lung cancer's ranks.
"Many patients like her feel angry that they got lung cancer, I think because of the stigma associated with the disease," says Dr. Andrea McKee, a radiation oncologist at Harvard- affiliated Lahey Hospital and Medical Center.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
![photo of Maureen Salamon](https://d2icykjy7h7x7e.cloudfront.net/authors/MWQyHwiFAPooqhDKsjTfFjCCCoIooqQNLj1M7LRO.jpg)
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
![photo of Toni Golen, MD](https://d2icykjy7h7x7e.cloudfront.net/authors/haxYxpqrKxwVB1iiDOquBesixqPGXr5laTbW4CFG.jpg)
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.