Did you know that there are several factors that can lead to lung cancer? Some of these factors may even be apart in your everyday life without your knowledge.
While doctors cannot always explain why one person develops lung cancer and another does not, there are certain risk factors that research has shown can increase a person’s chance of developing lung cancer.
Researchers are continuing to learn more about lung cancer risk factors and how you can reduce them, but have made some discoveries on the most common risk factors. This could help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent your risk of developing lung cancer.
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Tobacco smoke
Tobacco smoke causes most cases of lung cancer. It is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Among those newly diagnosed, it is estimated that about 80%-90% are either current or former smokers; the remaining 10%-20% are never smokers.
Harmful substances in smoke can damage lung cells, cause mutations, and make the lungs more vulnerable to other cancer-causing environmental factors, such as asbestos and radon. Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars can cause (or accelerate) lung cancer. If you are at increased risk of developing lung cancer because of smoking, speak with your doctor, who may be able to give you additional information, including referring you to a screening program.
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Secondhand smoke—smoke from other people’s tobacco use—can even cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. The more and the longer a person is exposed to smoke, the greater the risk of lung cancer.
It is best not to start smoking. However, even those who do smoke can significantly lower their risk of developing lung cancer by quitting. There are many health benefits to quitting, including longer survival and a lower likelihood of the recurrence of lung cancer, even if you don’t quit smoking until after a lung cancer diagnosis.
There are many tobacco cessation programs to help a smoker quit; two such programs are the US government’s program at www.smokefree.gov and the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking® Online program.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms naturally in soil and rocks. Radon damages lung cells, and people exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the risk of lung cancer from radon is even higher for smokers. Radon can be present in buildings.
Because there is no way to know for sure without testing whether radon is present, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that people test their homes for radon levels. If a high level is found, there are ways to lower it to make a home safer.
For information and resources on how to protect yourself from exposure to radon, read the Environmental Protection Agency's Citizen's Guide to Radon or contact your local Department of Health.
Asbestos and other carcinogens
People who have certain jobs (such as those who work in the construction and chemical industries) have an increased risk of lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, soot, tar, and other substances can cause lung cancer.
The risk is highest for those with years of exposure. The risk of lung cancer from these carcinogens is even higher for smokers. It is important to follow all of the safety guidelines provided by your employer. It is also a good idea to check with your doctor about any additional precautions you should take if you are exposed to these substances at work.
Air pollution
Outdoor air pollution, which can include, among other pollutants, diesel fumes, dust, and solvents as well as particulate matter (a mixture of very small solid particles and liquid droplets, such as sulfur dioxide, soot, and many others) may increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk from air pollution is higher for smokers.
Indoor air pollution is also a risk, specifically for those who cook and/or heat their homes with kerosene fuels, coal, and biomass (organic matter used as fuel).
Family or personal history of lung cancer
People with an immediate family member—father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter—who have had lung cancer may be at an increased risk for developing lung cancer. This is particularly the case when more than one family member is or has been affected by the
disease or if a relative was diagnosed at a young age. The increased risk may be due to exposure to the same environmental risk factors, including tobacco smoke, or possibly, in rare cases, to an inherited mutation.
People who have had lung cancer themselves are at increased risk of developing a second lung tumor; this is more likely among smokers.
Radiation therapy
People who have had radiation therapy to the chest for cancers other than lung cancers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. These include those who have been treated for Hodgkin lymphoma and women with breast cancer who were treated with radiation after a mastectomy. The lung cancer may take many years to develop. Note that modern radiation therapy techniques and practices may be able to reduce this risk, but it is still a risk to be discussed with your doctor.
Age 65 and older
Age is a factor in lung cancer risk. More than two-thirds of people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 years or older when diagnosed.
History of lung disease
Having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring in lung tissue, increases lung cancer risk. In both cases, smoking increases the risk.
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Diet
Drinking water from public sources is tested to ensure that the level of arsenic is below that which could cause any adverse effects, but arsenic in drinking water from private sources, e.g., wells can increase lung cancer risk; this water should also be tested.
There has been some evidence to show that smokers and those who have been exposed to asbestos and take high-dose beta-carotene supplements over a long period of time are more likely to develop lung cancer, so these supplements should be avoided. This is not the case for foods that are high in beta-carotene; these foods are considered safe.
Although lung cancer is not entirely preventable, taking the appropriate measures to make lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer or even having it return. You can consult with your doctor for the best ways to implement changes into your lifestyle.
This content is brought to you by The LUNGevity Foundation and the BDO Editorial Staff.
