Nonsmokers can be at risk of lung cancer — know the hidden causes

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Viv Williams, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · July 3, 2026 · 2 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aging Untold) — Lung cancer is widely associated with smoking, but doctors say nonsmokers can also be at risk. About 10% of the roughly 250,000 new lung cancer cases diagnosed each year occur in people who have never smoked, according to Dr. Otis Rickman, an interventional pulmo...

Why this matters in The Midland

In Midland, where homes are often built on expansive lots, the risk of radon seeping into residences from the ground may be heightened due to the area's geology. Residents should be aware of this hidden threat, as the Permian Basin's unique soil composition could potentially increase radon levels in local homes. Given that one in 15 homes nationwide has radon levels that should be reduced, it's crucial for Midland homeowners to take proactive steps in testing and mitigating radon exposure. By doing so, they can help protect themselves and their families from this silent contributor to lung cancer. Local hardware stores and big-box retailers likely carry radon test kits, making it relatively easy for residents to assess their risk and take corrective action if necessary. Consulting with a healthcare provider about lung cancer screening is also a vital step for those with a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 3, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 2 min

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This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

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This story was reported by Viv Williams at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Viv Williams, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 3, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Nonsmokers can be at risk of lung cancer — know the hidden causes

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