Lung Cancer - Cause

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Most lung cancer is caused by smoking. Over 85% of lung cancers are related to smoking.2 Cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke damage lung cells. Over time, these damaged cells may develop into lung cancer.

If you are a smoker, the risk of getting lung cancer is related to how long you have smoked and how many cigarettes you smoke each day. Quitting smoking reduces your risk for getting cancer, and your risk continues to go down as long as you do not smoke. Even cutting down how much you smoke may reduce your risk (but not as much as quitting completely).

If you live with a smoker, you have a higher risk of developing lung cancer compared with a person who lives in a nonsmoking environment.

Studies do not show clearly whether men who smoke are at a higher risk for lung cancer than women who smoke. Among nonsmokers, women are more likely to get lung cancer than men. Women also are more likely to be younger when they are diagnosed. But women also respond better to treatment for lung cancer.3

Exposure to other harmful substances, such as asbestos, radioactive dust, or radon, increases the risk for lung cancer. Exposure to radiation such as X-rays may also increase risk.4

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 26, 2010
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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