Inflammatory Diseases and Risk of Lung Cancer Among Individuals Who Have Never Smoked

This article presents a large, population-based study using UK primary care data to identify comorbid conditions associated with lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS). Across two independent data sets (CPRD-GOLD and CPRD-Aurum), the study found several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions significantly associated with an increased risk of LCINS, particularly COPD/emphysema, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, anemia, and bronchitis. These associations persisted even after adjusting for medication use, socioeconomic status, and body mass index. This study underscores the biological plausibility of chronic inflammation as a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of LCINS.  This research is of high relevance to the CTSNet global cardiothoracic surgery audience, as it informs risk stratification and screening strategies for lung cancer in patients without a history of smoking. Understanding these associations could enhance early detection and influence surgical evaluations in the growing population of LCINS patients.