In a world where scientific advancements continue to uncover new health risks, recent research highlights an alarming trend: lung cancer is increasingly affecting people who have never smoked. This growing health crisis calls for both awareness and action, especially within the Catholic community, where care for the body and environment is a moral responsibility.
A Silent Epidemic Among Non-Smokers
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that “the proportion of people diagnosed with lung cancer who’ve never smoked is increasing.” According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the WHO, lung cancer among non-smokers is now the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This statistic is a sobering reminder that environmental factors, not just personal habits, play a significant role in our health.
Adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer that starts in mucus-producing glands, has been identified as the most common type among non-smokers. The IARC reports that adenocarcinoma accounts for up to 70 percent of lung cancer cases in never-smokers.
Air Pollution: A Growing Threat
While smoking remains a major cause of lung cancer, environmental pollution is becoming an equally pressing concern. A 2022 study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that about 200,000 cases of adenocarcinoma were linked to air pollution worldwide. The burden is especially high in East Asia, particularly China, where air pollution levels are severe.
Dr. Freddie Bray, the study’s lead author, explained the significance of these findings: “With declines in smoking prevalence – as seen in the UK and US – the proportion of lung cancers diagnosed among those who have never smoked tends to increase,” according to The Guardian. He further emphasized the need for “urgent monitoring of the changing risk of lung cancer.”
A Catholic Response: Stewardship and Advocacy
As Catholics, we are called to care for God’s creation and protect human dignity. The Church teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and caring for our health is an act of gratitude and responsibility. Additionally, Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, reminds us of our duty to address environmental harm, stating: “The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it, we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations, and towards humanity as a whole.”
Given the growing impact of air pollution on public health, Catholics can respond in several ways:
- Raising Awareness: Educate ourselves and others about the risks of air pollution and its connection to lung cancer.
- Advocacy for Clean Air Policies: Support policies that reduce industrial emissions and improve air quality, especially in vulnerable communities.
- Personal Responsibility: Reduce our own environmental footprint by making sustainable choices in daily life.
- Compassion for the Sick: Support those battling lung cancer through prayer, medical assistance, and community outreach.
A Call to Prayer and Action
As lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, affecting 2.5 million people in 2022, we must remain vigilant. In the UK alone, lung cancer causes about 34,800 deaths annually, approximately 95 deaths per day. While men have historically had higher rates of lung cancer, diagnoses in women are rising, with 900,000 women diagnosed in 2022 compared to 1.6 million men.
This growing health crisis is not just a medical issue—it is a moral one. Catholics must take action by advocating for cleaner air, supporting those affected, and praying for a world where all people can breathe freely. As we reflect on these findings, let us remember the words of Christ: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
The rising cases of lung cancer among non-smokers are a wake-up call. Whether through prayer, advocacy, or direct action, we are called to respond with compassion and commitment. By protecting our environment and caring for those affected, we fulfill our duty as stewards of God’s creation and defenders of human dignity.