Lung Cancer Risk Factors
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Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Research conducted by the American Cancer Society suggests that smoking is the cause of most lung cancers. If you have been smoking for years, you may believe it is 'too late' to quit. However, quitting at any point in time reduces your risk for developing lung cancer, as well as other cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, within five to 15 years after quitting smoking, stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.
Aside from tobacco, there are other factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing lung cancer, including the following.
- Secondhand smoke – exposure to smoke at home or work may significantly increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer
- Age – individuals over age 65 are at greatest risk of developing the disease
- Exposure to asbestos or other pollutants
- Exposure to radon – radon is a colorless, scentless radioactive gas that is found in some houses. People who work in mines are at highest risk for radon exposure
Sometimes lung cancer develops despite any of the previously listed factors. Genetics may predispose certain individuals to certain types of cancers. Individuals with an immediate family member who has or had lung cancer and does not or did not smoke may be more prone to developing the disease.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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