. Instead, the show uses the illness as a narrative catalyst—a "death sentence" that strips away his inhibitions and drives him to secure his family's financial future. Breaking Bad Wiki +3 However, the show provides several strong clues and theories regarding how a lifelong non-smoker could develop terminal lung cancer. The Medical Diagnosis In the pilot episode, Walter is diagnosed with
"Nothing," he said. "I'm fine."
It's worth noting that the show's creator, Vince Gilligan, has stated that he chose lung cancer for Walter White's storyline because it's a disease often associated with smoking, and he wanted to explore the consequences of Walter's actions, including his smoking habits. how did walter white get cancer