Lung Cancer Health Center
Table of Contents
Doctors simply don’t know why one person gets lung cancer and another does not. It is known, however, that certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing lung cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
Here are the most common risk factors for lung cancer:
- tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke causes most cases of lung cancer.
- radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste.
- asbestos and other substances. People who have certain jobs (such as those who work in the construction and chemical industries) have an increased risk of lung cancer.
- air pollution. Air pollution may slightly increase the risk of lung cancer.
- family history of lung cancer. People with a father, mother, brother or sister who has had lung cancer may be at slightly increased risk of the disease, even if they don't smoke.
- personal history of lung cancer. People who have had lung cancer are at increased risk of developing a second lung tumor.
- age over 65. Most people are older than 65 years when diagnosed with lung cancer.
- no risk factors. There is an increasing trend in lung cancer is being seen in people who have never smoked – so-called “never smokers.”