Lung Cancer Cases Among Non-Smokers on the Rise, IPB University Expert: SHS and THS Pose Serious Threat
Lung cancer is no longer synonymous with active smokers. Lung cancer cases among non-smokers (Lung Cancer in Never Smokers/LCINS) continue to rise, especially among women and young people.
is no longer synonymous with active smokers. Lung cancer cases among non-smokers (Lung Cancer in Never Smokers/LCINS) continue to rise, especially among women and young people.
Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and thirdhand smoke (THS) residues, along with air pollution, are cited as the primary causes.
According to Dr dr Desdiani, SpP, MKK, MSc (MBioEt), a Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine Expert at IPB University, approximately 15–25 percent of lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have never smoked. “The risk of lung cancer is higher if exposure occurs during childhood compared to adulthood,” she explained.
She emphasized that exposure to SHS from partners or work environments has a significant impact on non-smoking women. Several studies from Asia, Europe, and North America have revealed a significant association between SHS and lung cancer. This exposure is also linked to mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), which is commonly found in non-smoking lung cancer patients.
THS is no less dangerous. Cigarette residue that sticks to surfaces such as clothing, walls, or floors can persist for weeks to years. Dr Desdiani revealed that children are the most vulnerable group.
“Children are at the highest risk because they are exposed to surfaces in the home, such as floors, clothing, and other objects. This residue can cause DNA damage,” she stressed.
The main solution, Dr Desdiani continued, is to quit smoking and ensure the home is smoke-free. “Never smoke inside the house. Even if the smell disappears, the smoke is still there,” she advised.
Additionally, air pollution—particularly fine particles PM2.5—also contributes to increased lung cancer risk. The presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), such as benzopyrene in PM2.5, is a carcinogen classified as Group 1 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Unfortunately, lung cancer in non-smokers is often detected late because symptoms only appear in advanced stages. “If there is a 1 cm tumor in the lung, we won’t notice it because it hasn’t yet compressed the airways,” said Dr Desdiani. Symptoms like persistent dry cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath only appear when the tumor grows larger or spreads.
To detect it early, she urges the public to conduct self-screening through the SATUSEHAT Mobile app (from the Indonesian Ministry of Health) to assess risk factors. Preventive measures that can be taken include:
- Avoiding secondhand smoke (SHS) and thirdhand smoke (THS) by creating a smoke-free environment.
- Reducing exposure to air pollution indoors and outdoors, such as by cooking with proper ventilation.
- Encouraging the government to strengthen tobacco control and pollution regulations based on scientific evidence.
- Dr Desdiani reiterated that understanding the dangers of SHS, THS, and air pollution is crucial, especially for non-smoking women and young people, as a preventive measure and for early detection of lung cancer. (Fj) (IAAS/LAN)
