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.
