Pope Leo XIV's diagnosis and lung cancer in people who have never smoked
This week, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer. He had surgery on 13 October to remove part of his right lung.
We wish the Pope a smooth and full recovery. We also want to thank him for being so open about his health. He chose to share the news himself, publicly, before his operation. Speaking openly about lung health helps break down stigma and encourages others to talk about it too.
Reports say the Pope does not smoke. His diagnosis has started a wider conversation about lung cancer in people who have never smoked, and we are glad to see it.
Lung cancer is not only linked to smoking
Many people still picture lung cancer as something that only affects people who smoke. That picture is out of date. Lung cancer specialist Dr Estelamari Rodriguez says doctors are seeing more women, younger people and people who have never smoked diagnosed with the disease. She notes that around 1 in 5 women with lung cancer have never smoked.
What else can raise your risk?
second-hand smoke
air pollution
radon, a natural gas that can build up in homes
asbestos and some chemicals at work
a family history of lung cancer
Sometimes there is no clear cause. In some people, the cancer is driven by changes in genes inside the cancer cells, such as EGFR or ALK. These are not usually inherited, and they are not caused by anything the person did.
Why talking about it helps
When people believe lung cancer is only linked to smoking, it creates stigma and can delay diagnosis. People who have never smoked may not think their symptoms could be lung cancer, and doctors may not think of it either. Lung screening in the UK is currently aimed at people with a history of smoking, so in people who have never smoked, lung cancer is often found by chance.
Nobody deserves lung cancer, whatever their smoking history. Everyone diagnosed deserves support, kindness and the best possible care.
Know the signs
Speak to your GP if you have:
a cough that lasts three weeks or more
chest infections that keep coming back
breathlessness that doesn't go away
tiredness with no clear reason
pain in your chest, back or shoulder
coughing up blood
weight loss without trying
When lung cancer is found early, it can often be treated successfully, and sometimes cured with surgery.
If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer.
