Hi Marly - I too am in your position non smoker etc... I think mine was related to chronic irritation as No one smokes around or near me and hasn't for 30 years.. (mom was a smoker) But I work in a smoke free environment, live in a smoke free environment, etc.. I am almost a year out of rads... (May 4th last year I officially finished treatment) and hope to stay cancer free... I had a 1/3 of my tongue removed and replaced, and had 40 lymphnodes removed (1 was positive for cancer). Welcome SOOOO nice to meet you, and have you join us... you are definitely an inspiration along with everyone else here who's survivng or fighting to be a survivor... you are absolutely right... attitude is everything. hugs!