Lung cancer is no longer a disease exclusive to smokers. In 2024, it became Taiwan’s leading cause of both cancer incidence and mortality, claiming over 10,000 lives annually. [1]

However, more than half of lung cancer patients have never smoked, with this figure soaring to 90% among women.[2] 

So, what’s the reason? The culprits are often hidden in plain sight, right in our daily lives.

🔍Hidden Dangers in Daily Life

  1. Cooking Fumes
    Taiwanese cooking habits make kitchen fumes a major cause of lung cancer in women. Studies show that women who don’t use an exhaust fan while cooking have a risk of developing lung cancer 8.3 times higher than those who do. This startling statistic reminds us to always use an exhaust fan and ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated.[3]
  2. Air Pollution
    International medical experts have confirmed that outdoor air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer.[4]
    In particular, invisible particulate matter (PM) has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
    These tiny particles come from human-made sources, such as vehicle and factory emissions. Long-term exposure to air pollution is like accumulating risk in your lungs without even realizing it.
  3. Genetic Imprints
    Even for non-smokers, invisible environmental carcinogens in the air can still harm the body. The latest research reveals that these toxins leave “genetic imprints” in the lungs, causing cancer risk to accumulate over time.[1]
  4. Tobacco Smoke
    Beyond secondhand smoke, which increases cancer risk by 20% to 30%, recent findings show that thirdhand smoke is just as deadly. When someone smokes indoors, toxic substances (mainly tar) attach to furniture, walls, and clothing. Even after the smell of smoke is gone, these toxins continue to pose a serious health risk.[3]

💡How to Protect Yourself: Lifestyle Changes and Screening

While lung cancer is deadly, we can actively take steps to reduce the risk. This isn’t just about changing habits—it’s an investment in your health.

🛡️4 Daily Actions to Protect Yourself

  • Eliminate kitchen fumes: Always turn on your range hood while cooking, and keep it running for about 5 to 10 minutes after you finish to completely vent out any residual smoke.
  • Monitor air quality: Before going out, use a mobile app like Taiwan’s “Environmental Live” to check the PM2.5 concentration. When air pollution is severe, reduce outdoor activities and wear a mask.
  • Protect your family from smoke: If a friend or family member smokes, ask them not to smoke indoors for the sake of everyone’s health. Regularly clean household items, and wash clothes and curtains to minimize the risk of thirdhand smoke residue.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

👩‍⚕️Early Screening Is Your Best Defense

With the rising number of lung cancer cases in non-smoking women, regular screening has become crucial. 

  • Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration now offers a free Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan every two years for women aged 50-74 with a family history of lung cancer.[5]
  • If you don’t qualify for the free screening but have long-term exposure to high-risk factors (like cooking fumes or air pollution) or a family history, consider discussing a self-paid LDCT check with your doctor.

Remember, early detection of lung cancer has a cure rate of up to 90%. By taking proactive measures and undergoing regular screenings, we can better protect our own health and that of our families.

📋參考來源

[1]中央研究院，《中研院領銜「臺灣癌症登月計畫」 揭肺腺癌關鍵機轉及治療新契機》，摘自 https://www.sinica.edu.tw/news_content/55/3278

[2]CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY, BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION，《Predicting Lung Cancer Occurrence in Never-Smoking Females in Asia: TNSF-SQ, a Prediction Mode》，摘自lhttps://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/29/2/452/72026/Predicting-Lung-Cancer-Occurrence-in-Never-Smoking

[3]衛生福利部國民健康署，《肺癌危險因子》，摘自https://www.hpa.gov.tw/Pages/List.aspx?nodeid=4053

[4]世界衛生組織 ，《IARC: Outdoor air pollution a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths》，摘自https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-outdoor-air-pollution-a-leading-environmental-cause-of-cancer-deaths/

[5]衛生福利部國民健康署，《肺癌早期偵測計畫》，摘自 https://www.hpa.gov.tw/Pages/List.aspx?nodeid=4619