Some experts suggest that Walt may have simply been "unlucky," developing the disease due to random somatic mutations that occur in non-smokers [3, 7]. 4. Secondary Theories
Throughout the series, Walter's cancer serves as a constant reminder of his mortality and fuels his transformation into the ruthless and calculating Heisenberg.
Walt’s lung cancer was but by a combination of occupational and environmental exposure over decades, with smoking as the most probable primary cause.