Known risk ractors for developing Lung Cancer include:
Smoking: tobacco usage is the most common reason for developing lung cancer. Tobacco can cause lung cells to undergo genetic mutations, inhibiting control systems that regulate proper cell growth. Cells therefore do not undergo the normal turnover and cell death that should occur. This causes cells to begin to grow where they should not in an uncontrolled fashion, and cancer develops. If you are a current smoker, quit! There are many resources available for people who need help quitting. If you quit but only for awhile, quit again! Click here for more information on smoking cessation . Speak with your primary care physician about quitting smoking.
Myth: "I've already smoked for years, so it's too late to quit"
It is never too late to stop smoking; stopping at any time will help lower your risk for lung cancer, and that risk will further decrease over time as you continue to avoid tobacco smoke.
Secondhand Smoke: Lung cancer can also occur in people who do not actively smoke themselves, but who passively inhale the smoke produced by people around them.
Prior Breast Cancer: Patients who have been treated for breast cancer have a 62% increased risk of developing lung cancer within the 10-14 years after the breast cancer.
Family History: People with family members that have had lung cancer are considered to have a higher risk for developing lung cancer themselves. The absolute increase in risk is difficult to know since much of the risk may be due to the high incidence ofsmoking within families and exposure to secondhand smoke. However, abstaining from smoking as well as preventing radon and asbestos exposure are ways to reduce the risk.
Environmental factors
Radon Gas: Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that emit radioactive particles. These particles can be damaging to cells in the lung, and are known to cause lung cancer. Have your home tested for elevated radon levels
Asbestos: Asbestos, a group of naturally-occuring compounds used in the construction of many older homes, is a known carcinogen. Most patients with asbestos-related lung cancer have had former exposure to asbestos from working in mills, factories, and mines
