Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
- Smoking; cigarettes, pipe, cigar, marijuana and non-smoking tobacco
- Lung Cancer and Smoking Status
Smoking Status |
Percentage of all Lung Cancers |
Current Smokers |
35% to 40% |
Former Smokers |
50% |
Never Smoked |
10% to 15% |
- Approximately 87% of lung cancer deaths are direct result of smoking.
- Breathing in second-hand smoke
- Having a history of repeated lung infections
- Having a personal and family history of cancer
- Working with:
-
Asbestos
- Radon
- Radioactive ores such as uranium
- Chemicals such as:
- Arsenic
- Vinyl chloride
- Nickel chromates
- Coal products
- Mustard gas
- Chloromethyl ethers
- Fuels such as gasoline
- Diesel exhaust
- Living in some cities with air pollution may increase chances of lung cancer
- Lung scarring from other diseases such as TB (See TB) and pneumonia
