Why Former Smokers Are Still at Risk of Lung Cancer

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a person can make for their health, but it does not immediately erase the damage caused by years of tobacco exposure. A recent Translational Research study found that a former smoker’s lung cancer risk remains high. Learn about the dangers and what you can do to protect your health.

Notable Findings in the Latest Lung Cancer Study

Researchers from McGill University wanted to better understand why former smokers remain at an increased risk of lung disease and lung cancer long after they quit smoking.

To investigate, the team analyzed lung tissue samples from 16 former smokers, 22 current smokers, and 40 people who had never smoked.

Using advanced analysis techniques, they examined how smoking affected the lungs at the cellular level and if those changes disappeared after each person stopped smoking. The researchers found that a former smoker’s lungs begin healing after they quit, but some damage may persist for years.

The study found that the lungs of a former smoker:

• Continued to show abnormal cellular activity associated with tissue repair and remodeling.
• Experienced ongoing changes in gene expression, suggesting that smoking leaves a lasting biological “memory” in lung cells.
• Had lower levels of inflammation than current smokers, showing that quitting still provides significant health benefits.
• Had persistent scarring (fibrosis) that did not fully resolve even after quitting.
• Remained at a higher risk of lung disease and lung cancer because some smoking-related damage and changes to the lungs appear to be irreversible.

The findings reinforce two important messages: Quitting smoking remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases. However, former smokers still need lung cancer screenings as their risk does not disappear completely.

“Current smokers have the highest risk of deadly diseases such as lung cancer, but former smokers still face a higher risk than people who never smoked. Despite more than a century of research on smoking, we don’t fully understand why.”

– Carolyn Baglole, McGill Professor

Continuing regular medical care, discussing lung cancer screening with a health care provider, and paying attention to new or persistent respiratory symptoms can help detect problems as early as possible.

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What Percentage of Former Smokers Get Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer risk depends on factors such as how long a person smoked, how much they smoked, when they quit, their age, and other risk factors. However, quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer over time.

Here is the risk of lung cancer for:

• Never smokers: About 0.34% developed lung cancer over approximately 11 years in one large study of older adults.
• Former heavy smokers (15+ years after quitting): About 5% developed lung cancer over 13 years compared to 0.05% of never smokers in the same study.
• Current smokers: Lifetime estimates suggest that approximately 14% of smokers will develop lung cancer.

When viewed alongside the new findings from the Translational Research study, these statistics highlight the importance of quitting smoking and call attention to the importance of annual lung cancer screening.

Even if you smoked and later developed lung cancer, smoking may not be entirely to blame. During the 20th century, millions were exposed to asbestos on the job or at home.

Decades after exposure, asbestos can cause lung cancer and other serious diseases to develop. Smokers exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk since the damage to the lungs worsens.

Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations for Former Smokers

Former smokers may still greatly benefit from regular lung cancer screening. Lung cancer screening can confirm a diagnosis before symptoms appear, when it is more likely to be treated successfully.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening appointments for adults at high risk of lung cancer based on their age and smoking history.

Current lung cancer screening guidelines for those between 50 and 80 years old include:

• If you used to smoke 20 packs per year or less: Get an annual LDCT screening.
• If you used to smoke more than 20 packs per year: Meet with your doctor about getting LDCT scans at a center with expertise in lung cancer screenings.
• If you quit smoking over 15 years ago: Talk with your doctor about discontinuing your annual LDCT screenings.
• If you quit smoking within the past 15 years: Annual LDCT screening is recommended.

People under 50 years old who have a history of smoking and successfully quit should talk with their doctor about whether they need to be screened for lung cancer.

If you have a significant smoking history, your individual risk may remain high longer than 15 years. Meeting with your doctor is crucial to determine the best screening frequency for your well-being.

8 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Lung Cancer for Former Smokers

Quitting smoking is the most important step former smokers can take to reduce their risk of lung cancer, but it does not eliminate the risk completely.

Because smoking can cause lasting changes in lung cells, former smokers should continue taking steps to protect their lung health and catch potential problems early.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent lung cancer, making healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular medical care can help lower risk and improve outcomes.

Here are 8 tips for preventing lung cancer in former smokers:

1. Avoiding tobacco exposure: Do not start smoking again and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
2. Following lung cancer screening recommendations: If you meet age and smoking history guidelines, regular low-dose CT scans can help detect lung cancer earlier.
3. Testing for radon exposure: Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke and can also increase risk for former smokers.
4. Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can support overall health and provide important nutrients.
5. Staying physically active: Regular exercise can improve lung function, strengthen the body, and support overall wellness.
6. Protecting your lungs at work: Use appropriate safety equipment and follow workplace precautions if exposed to asbestos, chemicals, dust, or other lung irritants.
7. Keeping up with medical appointments: Regular checkups allow health care providers to monitor changes in your health and discuss your individual lung cancer risk.
8. Paying attention to symptoms: Report warning signs such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or shortness of breath to a health care provider.

The sooner a person stops smoking, the more time the body has to repair damage and reduce the risk of serious diseases, including lung cancer.

However, because some smoking-related changes can remain for years, continued awareness and preventive care remain important.

Get Help for Lung Cancer in Former Smokers

At Lung Cancer Group, we understand the challenges that may prevent former smokers from getting preventive screenings or treatment. We’re here to help you navigate that process.

Our team can support you by:

• Connecting you with the best lung cancer doctors close to your home
• Providing information about lung cancer treatments
• Recommending resources for you and your family members
• Seeking financial compensation on your behalf if asbestos exposure caused your cancer

If you or a loved one received a lung cancer diagnosis months or years after quitting, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team can review the details of your case, help you understand your rights, and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Call us at (877) 446-5767 or get our Free Lung Cancer Guide to explore treatment options and your legal rights.