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Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 219,440 new cases of lung cancer and 159,390 deaths will occur in 2009 in the United States. Abnormal cells grow on one or both lungs or on the lining of air passageways. Doctors diagnose this condition by examining cancer cells under a microscope or performing a biopsy. There are numerous causes and risk factors for lung cancer. Smoking Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer risk factors increase the more packs of cigarettes a person smokes. In general, one in 10 people who smoke two or more packs a day die from lung cancer. Although lung cancer risks are higher in people who smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars cause lung cancer as well. Smoking causes lung cancer because the chemical used to produce cigarettes irritate the air sac linings in the lungs, reducing their flexibility and a person’s ability to take in air. People living with or constantly around smokers, too, suffer lung cancer risks by breathing in secondhand smoke. Air Pollution People living in a heavily polluted area have higher risk factors for lung cancer. These air pollutants include those from vehicles, industrial complexes and power plants. Although approximately one percent of lung cancer cases stem from exposure to air pollution, prolonged exposure to pollutants can be as detrimental as cigarette smoke. Lung Diseases People who suffer from lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), have increased risks of developing lung cancer. These lung conditions damage tissue and airways over a period of time, leaving them susceptible to developing lung cancer. Lung diseases cause lung cancer even after people stop smoking. Family History Most lung cancer cases directly relate to cigarette smoking; however, a family history of lung disease increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. The American Lung Association states that people with a specific gene mutation have increased risk factors for lung conditions, whether or not they smoke. People with a genetic predisposition for lung cancers should be particularly mindful of reducing outside risk factors, such as smoking and pollutants. Asbestos Although asbestos has been banned in the United States for more than 20 years, asbestos fibers stay in lung tissue years after exposure. Asbestos causes a specific form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. The National Cancer Institute states that mesothelioma occurs because of abnormal cell growth and division damage lung tissue and spreads to other organs like the stomach. Although mesothelioma cases has increased in the past 20 years, the National Cancer Institute states that approximately 2,000 new cases develop each year in the United States. Risk factors of lung cancer rise when people who have been exposed to asbestos smoke. Most causes and risk factors of lung cancer can be avoided by simple lifestyle changes. However, lung cancer risk factors increase when people are genetically predisposed to lung disorders. Sadly, there is no cure for lung cancer and survival rates are low after diagnoses. The best way to prevent this form of cancer is to reduce risk factors as much as possible. Mesothelioma cancer patient resource with questions and answers about Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
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