Lung cancer is claiming nearly 2 million lives annually, and a troubling shift is emerging: more cases are appearing in people who have never smoked. According to new research, this rise is especially pronounced in Asian populations, with East Asia—and China in particular—bearing the brunt of the trend.
The study, based on data from the Global Cancer Observatory and spanning nearly three decades, found that adenocarcinoma is now the most common form of lung cancer among non-smokers. It accounts for 45.6% of cases in men and 59.7% in women. While smoking remains a major risk factor, researchers warn that declining smoking rates are being offset by another threat—air pollution.
“Lung cancer in people who have never smoked is estimated to be the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,” the researchers wrote. This form of cancer occurs almost exclusively as adenocarcinoma and disproportionately affects women and Asian populations.
The link between air pollution and lung cancer is growing clearer. Several studies have connected exposure to airborne toxins with increased risk, and the researchers emphasize that pollution is a global issue—not a personal choice like smoking. In regions with poor air quality, such as parts of East Asia, the health consequences are becoming more severe.
The findings call for urgent strategies to reduce both tobacco use and environmental pollution, especially in communities facing
rising generational risks.
See: “Lung Cancer Is Rising in Non-Smokers, And This Could Be Why” (February 15, 2025)
