A hidden epidemic: Lung cancer rates are rising among non-smoking Asian American women
Although 80%-90% of lung cancer deaths are related to cigarette smoking, a troubling trend has emerged that begs the question: What else can cause lung cancer, and why are some never-smoking populations diagnosed more frequently than others?
Recent studies reveal lung cancer rates are increasing among Asian American women who have never smoked. This jump in lung cancer cases is a hidden epidemic that needs attention.
What’s happening
According to a recent study from leading California medical centers, lung cancer rates among never-smoking Asian American women have risen by approximately 2% annually from 2007-2018. This is particularly alarming given that lung cancer rates are declining in many other demographic groups. Over 50% of Asian American women diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked, underscoring the need for greater awareness and research into this issue.
Why it’s happening
Environmental exposures, such as cooking oil fumes and secondhand smoke, have long been identified as risk factors for lung cancer among women in Asia who do not smoke. Unfortunately, there’s little research focused on Asian American women, leaving uncertainty about whether they face similar exposures and risks.
Living in areas with high levels of air pollution may also play a role, as studies suggest that Asian Americans may experience greater exposure to environmental pollutants. Compared to white Americans, Asian Americans breathe in 73% more tiny pollution particles because of higher exposure to emissions from construction, industry or vehicles in their neighborhoods, according to a 2019 study.
Overall, we need more research to fully understand why more Asian American women who don’t smoke are being diagnosed with lung cancer.
The challenges
One of the significant challenges in addressing this issue is the limitations on routine lung cancer screening. Routine lung cancer screening is recommended only for those who:
- Are between the ages of 50-80.
- Currently smoke cigarettes or have quit smoking cigarettes within the past 15 years.
- Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking. A “pack-year history” is an estimate of how much a person has smoked over time. Multiply the number of packs of cigarettes smoked every day by the number of years smoking that amount.
Current guidelines can make it difficult for people who don’t smoke to get screened before signs or symptoms of lung cancer, which can lead to later diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.
The solution
Some advocates are calling for changes to current lung cancer screening guidelines to ensure that everyone can receive routine screenings and support. But more research will be necessary before any sweeping changes are made.
این Female Asian Never Smokers (FANS) study was launched in 2021 to uncover potential causes of lung cancer among Asian American women who have never smoked, such as secondhand smoke, genetics and cultural factors. Funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), FANS is the first, the largest, and currently the only study to explore this trend. While the study addresses a significant gap in research, further studies will be necessary to fully understand the underlying causes of lung cancer in Asian American women who don’t smoke. FANS is currently enrolling participants through July 2025. Interested potential participants can enter to be screened for eligibility at fansstudy.ucsf.edu.
In the meantime, everyone should learn about risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. And don’t be afraid to advocate for your health—it’s important to speak up when something doesn’t feel quite right.
In the early stages of lung cancer, there may not be any symptoms of the disease. But you can be aware of any changes to your body and see a health care provider if these symptoms occur:
- سرفه ای که از بین نمی رود یا بدتر می شود
- سرفه کردن خون
- درد مداوم قفسه سینه
- پنومونی یا برونشیت مکرر
- کاهش وزن و کاهش اشتها
- گرفتگی صدا برای مدت طولانی
- خس خس سینه یا تنگی نفس
- همیشه احساس خستگی می کنید
You may reduce your risk for lung cancer through lifestyle-related modifications:
- Avoid environmental toxins. Use exhaust fans or open windows while cooking to minimize exposure to fumes from cooking oils, which can be harmful when inhaled over time. Stay informed about local air quality and limit outdoor activities on days with high pollution levels.
- از دود سیگار دوری کنید. خانه و جامعه خود را عاری از دود کنید.
- Keep up with routine cancer screenings. Although current guidelines do not support routine lung cancer screening for people who do not smoke cigarettes, it’s important to stay up to date on other screenings and visit a health cancer provider annually to discuss any health concerns. If you smoke cigarettes or used to, ask your health care provider about getting screened for lung cancer with a low-dose spiral CT scan.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Incorporate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- خانه خود را برای رادون آزمایش کنید. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can increase lung cancer risk. Here’s what to do if you learn levels in your home are high.
- Learn your family health history. Having a personal or family history of lung cancer can increase your risk. If you do have a family history of lung cancer, talk to your health care provider.
- Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, it’s never too late to quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help.
Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. By recognizing lung cancer as a significant health concern for anyone—regardless of your cigarette smoking history—we can work toward better prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For more information on lung cancer prevention and screening, visit preventcancer.org/lung.