Lung Cancer Factors
Though lung cancer is often a preventable disease, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death. There are multiple factors that increase your chances of developing lung cancer, with smoking being the number one cause. Some factors can be controlled in the development of lung cancer, such as quitting smoking. Other genetic factors cannot be controlled.
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Smoking
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking is the biggest contributor to the development of lung cancer. The more cigarettes you smoke in a day, and the amount of years you have been a smoker contribute significantly to the chance of developing the disease. However, if you quit smoking you minimize damage to your lungs allowing for your lung tissue to repair itself. You also drastically reduce your odds of developing cancer of the lungs.
Women Vs. Men
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact reason as to why women have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than men is not quite certain. One theory is that women are more susceptible to carcinogens found within tobacco. Another idea is that hormones such as estrogen may be a contributing factor. Women also inhale more smoke than men when smoking, and women have a harder time quitting cigarettes.
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Radon Exposure
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A type of radioactive gas known as radon is produced naturally in the environment. When uranium breaks down into soil, rock or water, the result is the uranium converting into odorless radon gas that is inhaled. Once you inhale radon, the gas goes to work on your lungs by destroying the cells within your lungs. According to the National Cancer Institute, if you are exposed to radon, you have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Asbestos & Chemicals
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If you are exposed to asbestos and inhale the particles into your lungs, this can result in lung cancer. Other poisonous substances such as arsenic, chromium, nickel or tar soot can also increase your odds of developing lung cancer. The longer you are exposed to such toxins, and if you are a smoker, the more likely you are to develop lung cancer. Air pollution can also contribute to lung cancer.
Other Factors
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Other contributing factors of lung cancer can include a family history of the disease, the abuse of alcohol, or having had lung cancer. Even if you have never smoked, if you have a family member who was once diagnosed with the disease, you have a slightly higher risk of getting lung cancer as well. Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day can increase your chances of developing lung caner. According to the National Cancer Institute, if you've already had lung cancer, you have a higher risk of developing another tumor within your lung.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology: wikimedia.org
