What can cause lung cancer?

What can cause lung cancer?

• 85-90% of lung cancer is due to smoking.
• The best way to reduce one’s risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory conditions is to quit smoking at any age.
• 15-20% of people with lung cancer have never smoked.
• The majority of non-smokers are females.

Risk factors for lung cancer:

• Smoking is the biggest risk factor.
• The more years and larger number of cigarettes smoked the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.
• People who quit smoking decrease their risk of lung cancer over time, but their risk is higher than those who never smoked.
• Second-hand smoke.
• Radon Gas.
• Certain occupations and occupational exposures. 
• Family history may be a risk factor for both those who smoked and those who never smoked.
• The average age of a person diagnosed with lung cancer is late 60s or early 70s, so age is a risk factor.
• Illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D.), tuberculosis, asbestosis and silicosis can increase one’s risk of developing lung cancer.