This Disease Can Precede Lung Cancer Even In Nonsmokers

This disease can precede lung cancer even in nonsmokers

Scientists believe that COPD is a serious independent risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking in the presence of COPD almost does not increase the risk of cancer diagnosis.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases in which the amount of air passing through the lungs decreases. These include, for example, pulmonary emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. The most frequent symptoms of this pathology are chronic cough, shortness of breath, feeling short of breath, and sputum production. COPD is a risk factor for severe COVID-19.

It is known that COPD is associated with the development of cancer and often precedes it. But the studies that showed this involved a large number of smokers, so until recently it was impossible to say for sure whether COPD increases the risk of cancer in those who have never smoked. A new study published in The BMJ has resolved this question. COPD is indeed linked to lung cancer in nonsmokers.

The new study covered 338,548 people between the ages of 40 and 84. They were followed up for an average of 7 years.

Scientists analyzed which of the participants developed lung cancer during the study. They saw that patients with COPD who had never smoked developed lung cancer 2.5 times more often than people without this diagnosis. In smokers with COPD, this cancer was diagnosed almost as often.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer in COPD facilitates treatment. The fact is that the treatment of oncological diseases in COPD is difficult due to impaired lung function.

Scientists believe that COPD is a serious independent risk factor for lung cancer.