Winhan Wong, a resident of Toronto, embarked on his lung cancer journey in 2016 when he developed a persistent cough. Following a consultation with his family doctor and a series of scans, it was discovered that Wong had two liters of fluid in his right lung along with a three-centimeter tumor. Despite medical assumptions based on test results, Wong had never smoked in his life. He recounted being informed that his condition was Stage 4, with varying prognoses from different doctors.
Lung cancer stands as the most fatal cancer in Canada, accounting for approximately 22% of all cancer-related deaths in 2025. While overall rates have been declining due to decreased smoking, a notable increase in late-stage lung cancer diagnoses among non-smokers and never-smokers has been observed. Besides smoking, other risk factors include exposure to poor air quality from pollution, wildfire smoke, occupational hazards for individuals like firefighters and construction workers, as well as cancer-causing gases such as radon found in homes due to outdated construction practices.
Dr. Christian Finley, a thoracic surgeon at McMaster University, expressed dismay at the misconception that lung cancer is solely a smoker’s disease, emphasizing the need for awareness and early screening. Definitions from the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey distinguish between never-smokers and former smokers, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks associated with lung cancer development, especially for non-smokers.
Symptoms of lung cancer vary but commonly include a persistent or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pains, difficulty swallowing, and bloody mucus. Dr. Finley noted that never-smokers may delay seeking medical help when experiencing symptoms, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Efforts to improve outcomes include advocating for increased lung cancer screening programs across Canada. While some provinces have formal screening regimes, there is still a need for broader implementation to reduce mortality rates. Screening criteria often target individuals with a history of smoking, posing challenges for never-smokers like Wong, who advocate for broader access to early screening initiatives.
In addition to avoiding tobacco smoke, never-smokers can adopt preventive measures such as monitoring air quality, using air purifiers, and wearing protective equipment in high-risk occupational settings. Testing homes for radon, a leading cause of cancer in non-smokers, is recommended, with resources available for radon testing kits and interactive maps to assess radon concentrations nationwide.
Facemasks are also recommended for individuals with breathing conditions on days of poor air quality, with pregnant women and those with heart disease encouraged to utilize masks to reduce their exposure. Wong’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive measures in combating lung cancer, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and accessibility to screening programs for all individuals.
