Am I at risk?

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Am I at risk?

Types of Cancer

Lung Cancer

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Smoking is, by far, the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer. The longer you smoke - including tobacco in any form - and the more you smoke, the greater your risk. Approximately 87 percent of all lung cancers are attributable to long-term smoking or passive exposure to smoke (also known as second-hand smoke). A non-smoker who is married to a smoker is 30 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than the spouse of a non-smoker.

It's important to note, however, that not every individual diagnosed with lung cancer has a history of smoking. Although not every cause of lung cancer is known, the disease seems to be associated with the following risk factors:

Long-term history of smoking
Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke
Exposure to radon (an odorless, radioactive gas that can develop concentrated levels indoors and damage lung tissue)
Exposure to asbestos (significantly increased when exposed individuals have a history of smoking)
Occupational exposure to certain industrial chemicals (e.g., uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, etc.)
Air pollution (may slightly increase an individual's chances of getting lung cancer)
History of radiation treatment to the chest (e.g., treatment for Hodgkin's disease or breast cancer) (significantly increased in smokers)
Radiation exposure from occupational, medical, and/or environmental sources
Personal and family history (If you have had lung cancer, you have a higher risk of developing another lung cancer. First-degree relatives of lung cancer patients may have a slightly higher risk of acquiring lung cancer themselves.)
Diet (Some studies have suggested that a diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase the chances of getting cancer if you are chronically exposed to tobacco smoke.)
Past history of smoking

We are here for education, support and to help you navigate your way through your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Call (925) 947-3322.

If you stop smoking before a cancer develops, you significantly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. However, former smokers remain at greater risk for lung cancer than people who have never smoked.

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