Causes of lung cancer
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Lung cancer is a complex disease with several contributing factors. The primary cause is exposure to substances that damage lung cells, leading to uncontrolled growth. Here are the main causes and risk factors: 1. Smoking and Tobacco Products: * Cigarette smoking: This is by far the leading cause ofRead more
Lung cancer is a complex disease with several contributing factors. The primary cause is exposure to substances that damage lung cells, leading to uncontrolled growth. Here are the main causes and risk factors:
See less1. Smoking and Tobacco Products:
* Cigarette smoking: This is by far the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80% to 90% of cases. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the duration of smoking.
* Other tobacco products: Using cigars, pipes, snuff, or chewing tobacco also significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and other cancers.
* Secondhand smoke (passive smoking): Breathing in smoke from others’ tobacco products also increases the risk of developing lung cancer, even for non-smokers.
2. Radon Exposure:
* Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among non-smokers. The risk from radon is significantly higher for people who smoke.
3. Occupational Exposure to Certain Substances:
* Exposure to specific chemicals and substances in certain workplaces can increase lung cancer risk. These include:
* Asbestos (often linked to mesothelioma, but also increases lung cancer risk)
* Arsenic
* Beryllium
* Cadmium
* Coal and coke fumes
* Silica
* Nickel
* Diesel exhaust fumes
* Uranium
* Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and transportation may be at higher risk due to these exposures.
4. Air Pollution:
* Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
5. Personal or Family History:
* Previous lung diseases: Certain chronic lung diseases can increase the risk of lung cancer.
* Family history of lung cancer: Having close relatives who have had lung cancer may indicate a genetic predisposition, increasing an individual’s risk.
* Previous radiation therapy to the chest: Individuals who have undergone radiation therapy to the chest for other cancers (e.g., breast cancer, lymphoma) may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
6. Other Factors:
* Genetics: While not fully understood, genetic factors can play a role, as not everyone exposed to risk factors develops lung cancer.
* HIV infection: People with HIV may have a slightly increased risk of lung cancer.
It’s important to note that while smoking is the dominant risk factor, lung cancer can occur in individuals who have never smoked due to other causes. Quitting smoking at any age significantly reduces the risk of lung cancer.