Dame Esther Rantzen has confirmed she is “making arrangements” to go to Dignitas in Switzerland to end her life, as the assisted dying bill debate continues in the House of Lords.
The broadcasting veteran, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday, previously told reporters that she had registered with the assisted dying clinic two years ago, after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Friday, she said: “I’m making arrangements because it’s the only way I can have an assisted death, to go by myself to Zurich, to Dignitas.”
The Childline founder, who has been a leading advocate for legalising assisted dying in England and Wales, revealed how she wishes her family could accompany her to the Swiss euthanasia clinic, telling GMB: “I just wish that I was allowed to say goodbye to my family and for them to see that I have a good death.”
Speaking on a phone call with Kate Garraway, she said: “I’m not afraid of death, but I am, as someone once said, afraid of dying. I’m afraid of dying badly.”
Rantzen had previously spoken of how her family could not travel to Dignitas with her “because otherwise they are liable to be accused of killing me and they get investigated by the police, so that’s just messy and wrong and not what we want”.
The TV presenter revealed last year that her cancer was being kept at bay thanks to a new drug, which had caused her to feel “much better” than she would have expected. However, Rantzen confirmed to The Times in April that the medication is no longer effective.
“Recently, my wonder drug has stopped working,” she said in the interview. “I am trying a different treatment. Some days are better than others.”
Rantzen, who has never smoked, previously speculated whether exposure to asbestos or London’s pollution might have contributed to her condition.
If you’ve never picked up a cigarette, you might be wondering about your risk of lung cancer, and what other factors might play a role in the condition developing.
We spoke to Cancer Research UK to find everything you need to know.
How common is lung cancer in non-smokers?
Particle pollution in outdoor air, including that from vehicle exhaust and coal-fired power plants, is linked to non-smoking lung cancer. (Getty Images)
While Cancer Research UK say that smoking tobacco remains the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK, up to 14% of people diagnosed with the disease have never smoked.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine revealed that if lung cancer in non-smokers was classified as a separate disease, it would rank as the eighth most common cause of cancer-related death; higher than ovarian cancer, leukaemia or lymphoma.
It’s an issue that also appears to be on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) cancer agency revealed earlier this year that the proportion of people being diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked is increasing globally, with hazardous levels of air pollution being named as an ‘important factor’.
What causes lung cancer in non-smokers?
Beyond cigarettes, here are five other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer:
1. Chemicals and workplace risks like asbestos
You might be at higher risk of developing lung cancer if you’ve been exposed to hazardous substances like asbestos, silica, coal and diesel engine exhaust fumes.
Exposure can happen in a variety of everyday settings, especially in certain work environments such as construction, mining and manufacturing. Even living near busy roads can increase your intake of harmful exhaust pollutants over time.
“Asbestos exposure occurs when we inhale tiny asbestos fibres, which can become lodged in the lungs,” explains Dr Dionysis Papadatos-Pastos, oncologist at The London Clinic. “Over time, they can cause scarring and cellular damage, increasing the risk of lung cancer as well as another rare but serious cancer called mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
“It’s very difficult to quantify exactly how much exposure to silica dust or industrial chemicals like arsenic, cadmium or diesel fumes increases your risk of lung cancer, but we do know they can contribute, even if the individual risk is relatively small,” he adds. “The key point here is that these risks are significantly amplified if combined with smoking.”
2. Air pollution
Given that 99% of people globally breathe air that exceeds WHO’s guideline limits, it’s safe to say that air pollution is a real health risk.
In fact, the Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease report hailed it the largest environmental threat to human health worldwide.
“People living in densely populated cities or urban areas are generally more exposed to air pollution, which can increase the risk of lung cancer,” says Dr Papadatos-Pastos. “One of the key components in polluted air is particulate metter; tiny particles produced by vehicle emissions and industrial processes. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and DNA damage, both of which raise the risk of developing lung cancer.”
3. Family history of lung cancer
While lifestyle factors play a major role, your genes can also influence your risk of getting a lung cancer diagnosis.
If you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has had lung cancer in the past, your chances of developing the disease may be higher, even if you’ve never smoked.
“In some families, there may also be a degree of genetic susceptibility,” explains Dr Papadatos-Pastos. “This means there could be inherited changes in the DNA that increase an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer.
“However, this is not quite the same as the well-known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer. In lung cancer, we don’t currently have identifiable mutations that can be tested in the same way.”
A family history of lung cancer can increase your risk, and certain genetic mutations can also play a role. (Getty Images)
4. Exposure to radon gas
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up inside homes, especially in areas with certain types of rock or soil. The UK government has an interactive map which shows if your postcode is at higher risk.
“Once inhaled, radon gas can cause DNA damage in lung cells over time, and this damage can eventually increase the risk of lung cancer,” says Papdatos-Pastos.
As it’s invisible and odourless, testing your home is the only way to check radon levels, but it’s worth doing, as long-term exposure can raise your lung cancer risk.
Testing your home in the UK is relatively straightforward and can be done by ordering a radon test kit from UKHSA, which costs £52.80.
5. High doses of beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a naturally occurring pigment, found in orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, that can cause a condition called carotenemia, where the skin takes on an orange tint.
A recent TikTok trend has seen some users take beta-carotene supplements in an attempt to develop a golden summer tan, but Papdatos-Pastos warns against trying this trend.
“Beta-carotene can be a powerful ally when it comes to reducing the risk of cancer,” he says. “It’s an antioxidant, and we know that antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can support overall health and help lower cancer risk.
“The issue arises when beta-carotene is taken in high doses through supplements,” he continues. “In those cases, this once-beneficial compound can actually shift from being an antioxidant to acting more like an oxidant-potentially causing harm rather than preventing it. This shift has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including lung cancer.”
What symptoms should non-smokers should look out for?
Lung cancer doesn’t always show obvious signs in the early stages, especially in people who’ve never smoked.
But there are some key symptoms to look out for, including:
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a cough that won’t go away
Cancer Research UK add that you should be mindful of additional warning signs, including:
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recurring chest infections
If any of these symptoms linger for more than a few weeks, it’s worth getting them checked out by your GP.
Rest assured, it’s likely not cancer, as these symptoms can be linked to lots of other health conditions, but catching any new health changes early can help get to the bottom of whatever’s going on, giving you peace of mind.
Read more about lung cancer:
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