For years, we’ve been told lung cancer is mainly about smoking and genetic mutations. And while that’s true, it may not be the whole story. A growing body of research suggests something else plays a major role — inflammation. Let’s think about it this way. Mutations might strike the match, but inflammation may be the oxygen that keeps the fire burning. Every day, your body forms abnormal cells. Most of them are removed quietly by your immune system. So why do some grow into cancer? Researchers now believe chronic inflammation creates the kind of environment that allows mutated cells to survive, grow, and spread.
