Inflammation-related disorders linked to lung cancer risk in never-smokers
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A new study published in the journal Nature Communications suggests that chronic inflammatory diseases may contribute to the development of lung cancer among individuals who have never smoked. Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) create a persistent pro-inflammatory environment that promotes DNA damage, cellular proliferation, and impaired repair mechanisms. Understanding the role of inflammation in carcinogenesis is critical for identifying at-risk populations outside traditional smoking-related pathways, enabling earlier detection strategies and targeted preventive interventions.
Source
D’Arcy, M.E., Pfeiffer, R.M., Bradley, M.C. et al. Inflammatory diseases and risk of lung cancer among individuals who have never smoked. Nat Commun 16, 5095 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56803-z
Additional Reading
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56803-z#citeas
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250605-the-mystery-rise-of-lung-cancer-in-non-smokers