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Nonsmokers can be at risk of lung cancer — know the hidden causes
By Viv Williams at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aging Untold) — Lung cancer is widely associated with smoking, but doctors say nonsmokers can also be at risk. About 10% of the roughly 250,000 new lung cancer cases diagnosed each year occur in people who have never smoked, according to Dr. Otis Rickman, an interventional pulmo...
Key takeaway About 10% of the roughly 250,000 new lung cancer cases diagnosed each year occur in people who have never smoked, according to Dr.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , homeowners should be aware of the potential for radon in their homes, particularly in areas with high levels of uranium in the soil. Given the city's geology, it's possible that many homes may have elevated radon levels, putting residents at increased risk for lung cancer. The fact that one in 15 homes nationwide has radon levels that should be reduced suggests that Atlanta residents should take proactive steps to test their homes. Local hardware stores and home improvement centers likely carry radon test kits, making it easy for homeowners to take the first step in assessing their risk. By testing for radon and taking steps to reduce levels if necessary, Atlanta residents can help protect themselves and their families from this hidden cause of lung cancer. Additionally, individuals with a family history of lung cancer or exposure to secondhand smoke should consult with their doctor about screening options, such as CT scans, to detect lung cancer early.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aging Untold) — Lung cancer is widely associated with smoking, but doctors say nonsmokers can also be at risk. About 10% of the roughly 250,000 new lung cancer cases diagnosed each year occur in people who have never smoked, according to Dr. Otis Rickman, an interventional pulmo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Viv Williams at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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