15 Jan 2026 • Never-smokers with a history of tuberculosis or chronic bronchitis faced a significantly higher risk of lung cancer, a new meta-analysis showed.

Across 20 studies, prior tuberculosis was linked to a 76% higher lung cancer risk (OR 1.76), while chronic bronchitis increased risk by 36% (OR 1.36). Asthma showed a non-significant trend toward increased risk (OR 1.34).

The findings highlight prior lung disease as an important risk marker for lung cancer in patients with no smoking history, reinforcing the need for heightened clinical vigilance and risk stratification beyond tobacco exposure.

Source: CHEST | Read full story