What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Lung Cancer?

Smoking is, by far, the number one cause of lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of different chemicals, many of which are proven carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Over time, the harmful chemicals in tobacco cause damage to lung tissue. With repeated exposure to these chemicals, the likelihood that an individual will develop lung cancer increases. Cigar and pipe smokers are also at greater risk than nonsmokers for developing lung cancer.

The risk of developing lung cancer from tobacco use is related to the age at which smoking began, how many years the person has smoked, the number of cigarettes or packs per day that a smoker uses, and how deeply the smoker inhales. Overall, men who smoke are estimated to be 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer than a nonsmoker, while women who smoke are estimated to be 12 times more likely.

Exposure to secondhand or passive smoke also increases your risk for developing lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says involuntary or secondhand smoke causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers each year.

Several other factors have been associated with the development of lung cancer and they include:

Radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that occurs naturally in the soil. Because radon may be present in some homes, it is a good idea to have a radon test performed on a home before purchasing it. Radon test kits are available at many hardware stores. Once a radon problem has been corrected in the home, the hazard from radon is gone. Radon exposure also can occur in the workplace, especially to those individuals who work in mines.

Asbestos. Asbestos is fibers that occur naturally and are used in some industrial substances such as insulation. The fibers from asbestos products tend to break down, and when inhaled, they can get stuck in the lungs. These fibers can damage lung tissue and, over time, increase the risk that a person will develop lung cancer and other lung diseases. A person with asbestos exposure has an increased risk of lung cancer.

Pollution. Researchers continue to explore the links between lung cancer and exposure to certain types of air pollutants.

Lung Diseases. Some lung diseases, like tuberculosis, increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer, especially in regions of the lung that are already scarred. A person who already has been treated for lung cancer is more likely to develop a second lung tumor than someone who has never had lung cancer.

The most important factor in preventing lung cancer is to quit, or better yet, never start smoking. Of all diagnosed cases of lung cancer, 87 percent are smoking related. If you are a nonsmoker, don't be afraid to uphold your rights to a smoke-free environment both at home and in the workplace.

Another way to reduce your chances of developing lung cancer is to find out if your occupation or work environment exposes you to chemicals, dust and fumes. Ask questions about the air quality, and learn what is being done to reduce your exposure to harmful substances.

Related Articles What's the Worry With Radon? What Are the Signs and Symptoms Associated With Lung Cancer? How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed? Treatment Options for Those Diagnosed With Lung Cancer What Is the Prognosis and Outlook for Someone With Lung Cancer? What Is Lung Cancer and How Prevalent Is it? Emphysema

External Source Dollinger M, Rosenbaum, EH, Tempero M., et al. Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy, Fourth Edition, Kansas City, Missouri: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2002.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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