Lung Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention

The following can cause damage to the cells in the lungs, leading to lung cancer:

• First- or second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars or pipes
• Exposure to asbestos (a type of mineral) or radon (radioactive gas)

These factors increase your chance of developing lung cancer:

• Cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking
• Using chewing tobacco
• Being exposed to second-hand smoke
• Being exposed to asbestos or radon
• Having a lung disease, such as tuberculosis
• Having a family or personal history of lung cancer
• Being exposed to certain air pollutants
• Being exposed to coal dust

To reduce your risk of getting lung cancer:

• Don’t start smoking. If you smoke, quit
• Avoid places where people are smoking
• Test your home for radon gases and asbestos. Have these substances removed if they are in the home
• Do not work in a place with asbestos