Lung Cancer Health Center

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.”