Objective To conduct a comparative analysis of risk factors for lung cancer among non-smoking women in Zigong, China, 2022—2024.

Methods The two largest tertiary Grade A hospitals in Zigong were selected. A total of 263 non-smoking female patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer during hospitalization between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024 were included as the case group. The control group consisted of 263 non-smoking women without lung cancer, matched by age (±5 years) and attending the same hospitals. Risk factors for lung cancer in non-smoking women were analyzed using the conditional Logistic regression.

Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the case and control groups in passive smoking, history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, history of thyroid nodules, and family history of cancer (P < 0.05). The conditional Logistic regression model revealed that high educational level middle school: odds ratio (OR)=1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-2.74; high school or above: OR=2.84, 95%CI: 1.47-5.51, family history of cancer (OR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.19-3.68), and exposure to hot pot between ages 19 and 39 (OR=2.61, 95%CI: 1.56-4.36) were independent risk factors for lung cancer in non-smoking women (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis by early and advanced disease stage showed that only early-stage lung cancer cases demonstrated increased risk with higher education level (middle school: OR=1.85, 95%CI: 1.07-3.22; high school and above: OR=2.60, 95%CI: 1.18-5.74).

Conclusion The development of lung cancer results from multiple contributing factors. In addition to the traditional family history of cancer, attention should be paid to fuel and oil fume pollution associated with hot pot exposure as a risk factor for lung cancer in non-smoking women in Zigong.