Risk
Factors

What are the risk factors for Lung Cancer?

There are risk factors that may affect a person’s chance of getting lung cancer. People with many risk factors may never develop lung cancer, while others with no risk factors can still get the disease. It is also possible that some of these risk factors may not apply to small cell lung cancer (SCLC). A few factors that may increase a person’s risk for lung cancer include:

 

• Personal or Family Health History

  If you’ve had lung cancer, radiation therapy to the chest, or have a history of COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, you have an increased risk for lung cancer. Siblings and children of a person diagnosed with lung cancer may also be at increased risk.

• Smoking

  Tobacco smoke damages cells in the lungs, which can cause the cells to grow abnormally. Secondhand smoke, which is frequent exposure to smoke from another person’s cigarettes, cigars or pipes can also increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.

• Exposure

  Radon: Exposure to radon, an invisible, odorless gas released by some soil and rocks, has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancer, such as lung cancer
  
  Asbestos: Asbestos fibers that are inhaled can irritate the lungs. People who work in a job where they are exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
  
  Cancer-Causing Agents (Carcinogens): Substances such as gasses or chemicals at work or in the environment can increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.

• Air Pollution

  Exposure to air pollution, caused by things such as transportation, industrial fumes, etc. can increase your risk of cancer.

 

Additional Resources: Information on Risk Factors
Statistics