Smoking is such a well-known cause of lung cancer that many don’t realize thousands who never smoked get the diagnosis. The great majority are women. Recent research shows it’s really a different disease than smoking-related lung cancer. But those with the diagnosis say they suffer the same stigma.

RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

And here’s something else to consider: sometimes breathing problems signal some very serious and unexpected health problems. That’s certainly the case with lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

NPR’s Richard Knox has this story.

RICHARD KNOX: Jo Costello(ph) is 21. She’s a senior at UC Berkeley. She’s a member of the crew team. She never touched a cigarette, but she just got diagnosed with lung cancer.

Ms. JILL COSTELLO (Senior, UC Berkeley): I got back from national championships on June 1st, and then went to the trainer later that week with, like, abdominal bloating and just discomfort.