I'm worried about persistent cough. how many nonsmokers get lung cancer in u.s. each year?

Go to see your MD: Worldwide, lung cancer in never smokers comprises an estimated 15 to 20 % of cases in men and over 50 percent in women. In us, the age-adjusted incidence rate for lung cancer in never smokers aged 40 to 79 years ranged from 11 to 14/ 100, 000 person-years for men and from 15 to 21/100, 000 person-years for women. With persistent cough, absolutely, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.

Get evaluated: About 10% of the lung cancers occur in non-smokers. Among never-smokers aged 40 to 79 years lung cancer ranged from 14.4 to 20.8 per 100, 000 person-years in women and 4.8 to 13.7 per 100, 000 person-years in men. Irrespective of the national rate, persistent cough should be evaluated asap to prevent further damage.

Never smokers: Though smokers are the highest risk for developing lung cancer, non smokers or never smokers can develop lung cancer. For instance exposure to second hand smoke, or the environmental agent radon can lead to lung cancer. Also patinets with genetic mutations to such genes as efgr and eml4alk fusion can also develop lung cancer. If you have a cough, see your primary care provider.