Yes — and it’s more common than most people realize. A significant number of lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who have never smoked, including many young adults.

Lung cancer diagnoses are rising among younger women, particularly those who have never smoked or had any traditional risk factors. Many of these cancers are driven by specific genomic mutations. Why these mutations occur more frequently in younger women is still being actively researched. YLCI supports all young adults with lung cancer, including the growing number of young women receiving this diagnosis.

Biomarker testing — also called genomic or molecular testing — analyzes lung cancer cells to identify specific genetic mutations or alterations driving the cancer’s growth. It can be done through a tissue biopsy or a liquid biopsy (a blood draw). For young adults, this testing is especially critical because lung cancer in younger people is more likely to have targetable driver mutations, such as  EGFR, HER2, ALK, or  ROS1. YLCI strongly encourages all patients to ask their team about comprehensive biomarker testing.

Current U.S. lung cancer screening guidelines recommend annual low-dose CT scans only for individuals ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history. Young adults with no smoking history — even those with genetic risk factors — fall entirely outside these criteria. As a result, many young lung cancer patients are diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment options are more limited. YLCI advocates for expanded screening eligibility and earlier detection pathways for high-risk young adults.

Join the YLCI Circle under our community tab. Join our private Young Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver group on facebook.