Big Bang Theory Kate Micucci Gets Through Lung Cancer Surgery
Actress Kate Micucci from The Big Bang Theory is recovering well after a successful surgery for lung cancer, as shared in a recent TikTok video. The 43-year-old Garfunkel and Oates singer explained, “I’m in the hospital because I had lung cancer surgery yesterday, but they caught it really early.”
Big Bang Theory Kate Micucci Was Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
Even though the cancer was detected early, Micucci found the diagnosis “really weird” because she has “never smoked a cigarette,” which is the primary cause of lung cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Micucci expressed, “It was a surprise, but I guess these things happen. The great news is they caught it early, removed it, and I’m all good now.”
Lung Cancer in Young Age
Lung cancer, the third most common cancer in the United States, typically diagnosed around age 70, used to be seen as a disease mostly affecting older men due to their higher smoking rates. But things are changing. Over the last 44 years, new cases of lung cancer in men have dropped by 43%, while in women, they have risen by 79%, as reported by the American Lung Association.
Surprisingly, younger women face a higher risk than their male counterparts. A study in JAMA Oncology from October revealed that women aged 35 to 54 are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than men in the same age group.
Oddly, the risk factors like smoking or workplace hazards aren’t more prevalent in younger women than men. This shift remains a bit of a puzzle. Some think women might be more sensitive to air pollution. Recent research in 2022 confirmed that air pollution can lead to lung cancer in nonsmokers, though whether women are more vulnerable to this than men is still uncertain. Other theories suggest hormones or genetic differences in women might play a role.
While the rising statistics are concerning, there’s a silver lining. Oncologist John C. Kucharczuk shared in a Penn Medicine blog post that women respond better to treatments. Female smokers and nonsmokers have various therapy options, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer molecular-based or immunotherapies, making a significant difference for some nonsmokers with suspected genetic issues.
Lung Cancer Can Be in Nonsmokers
While lung cancer has long been linked to smoking, it’s evident that smoking isn’t the sole culprit. Surprisingly, 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancer cases each year affect people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
The second most likely cause of lung cancer, according to the CDC, is exposure to radon, an odorless radioactive gas found naturally in rocks and dirt. It’s responsible for an estimated 20,000 deaths annually. Radon becomes an issue when it accumulates in homes, usually seeping through cracks. Testing kits from hardware stores can identify radon, and if your home tests positive, mitigation contractors can address the problem.
Even if you’re not a smoker, being around someone who smokes, known as secondhand smoke, can increase your lung cancer risk. Exposure to air pollution and asbestos, a type of mineral fiber linked to various health conditions, including lung cancer, also contributes to the risk.
The Causes of Lung Cancer
Screening for lung cancer is crucial because early stages often show few symptoms when treatment is most effective.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its guidelines this year to decrease lung cancer deaths. They recommend annual lung cancer screenings for individuals aged 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have a smoking history. This particularly applies to those with a smoking history of 20 years or more, calculated in pack years by multiplying years smoked by daily pack consumption.
However, as shown by Micucci, lung cancer can occur without smoking. It’s essential to be aware of potential symptoms, even if they are few. These include recurring chest infections, a persistent cough lasting more than two to three weeks, coughing up blood, breathing pain, ongoing breathlessness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and swollen fingers. If you notice these symptoms, consult your primary care doctor for screening and assessment, including checking for lung cancer.