Why non-smokers develop lung cancer

While cigarette smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer worldwide, several other risk factors can trigger the disease, even in those who have never smoked.

Secondhand smoke remains a major contributor, with long-term exposure increasing the risk by 20–30%, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Environmental pollution, such as prolonged exposure to PM2.5 particles and diesel exhaust, damages lung cells over time. Radon gas and workplace carcinogens such as asbestos, chromium, and silica also raise lifetime risk.

Genetic mutations (e.g. EGFR mutations) are more common in non-smoking Asian women and can lead to tumour growth even without tobacco exposure.

In Singapore, cleaner air and workplace safety regulations have helped, but non-smoker lung cancer continues to form a significant share of new cases each year.

Why early screening matters

As lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, many patients are diagnosed only when the disease is already advanced. This makes early screening a crucial tool in improving survival outcomes.

Lung cancer is often diagnosed late because early stages cause few or no symptoms. Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening can detect small nodules before they spread; studies show it can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20% in high-risk groups.

In Singapore, LDCT screening is available at major hospitals and imaging centres. It is typically recommended for adults aged 50–74 who have smoked heavily, but doctors may also recommend it for those with a family history or environmental risk exposure. Even for non-smokers, early consultation for persistent cough, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss is vital.

The financial impact of lung cancer treatment

Beyond its health toll, lung cancer also brings a heavy financial burden. Treatment options and their costs vary widely depending on cancer stage, drug type, and genetic profile.

Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs, depending on the cancer’s genetic profile.

Costs can escalate quickly. A lung cancer patient may spend S$8,000 to S$17,000* per month during active treatment, with additional imaging and follow-up costs.

Some targeted therapies or immunotherapies are on the MOH Cancer Drug List (CDL), making them claimable under MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans (IPs). However, cancer treatment is long-term, and this is where financial planning becomes crucial.

• Prices are an estimate.

How health insurance can help with lung cancer

Managing the costs of long-term treatment often requires multiple layers of financial protection.

MediShield Life provides baseline protection for CDL-listed drugs and inpatient care, but coverage is limited to public-hospital benchmark rates. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) expand coverage for higher-tier wards and private hospitals, with higher limits for CDL-approved cancer drugs.

There is also Critical Illness Insurance, which offers a lump-sum payout upon cancer diagnosis, which can be used for non-covered medications, rehabilitation, or daily living expenses. Disability Income Insurance provides monthly income replacement if treatment prevents you from working.

Having a combination of hospitalisation, critical illness, and disability income coverage offers comprehensive protection against the medical and financial challenges of cancer.

Living smoke-free

Prevention remains the best defence. Even though non-smokers can get lung cancer, quitting smoking and avoiding vaping are still the most effective ways to lower risk. The aerosol from e-cigarettes can contain tons of harmful chemicals, including toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

Maintaining good indoor air quality, exercising regularly, and managing workplace exposure can further reduce risk.

Know your coverage, before you need it

Lung cancer does not discriminate by smoking history. In Singapore, a growing number of non-smokers are being diagnosed every year, underscoring the need for awareness, early detection, and proper insurance protection.

While quitting smoking and vaping are essential steps, regular screening and sufficient insurance coverage can save both lives and livelihoods.

Before you decide on your next health check or insurance review, check what your plan covers using our Coverage Checker.