Risk Factors
Smoking & Secondhand Smoke
- Smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for lung cancer.(1)
- In the US, 90% of lung cancer deaths in men are due to smoking and nearly 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking.(1)
- Even if you are no longer a smoker, you may still be at risk.
- It’s been proven that non-smokers who breathe in secondhand smoke are also exposed to nicotine and other toxic chemicals.(2)
- SJRMC provides smoking cessation classes free of charge. Click here to learn more.
Environmental Causes
- Radon gas, asbestos, arsenic, silica and chromium have been found to contribute to lung cancer. (1)
- Radon Testing Kits are available at your local hardware store.
- For more information go to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Family History
- Current research has not proven that risk of lung cancer increases due to family history.
- Lung cancer may appear to run in a family due to familiar practices, such as smoking and secondhand smoke, or living in similar environments that may contain cancer-causing agents.
It is estimated that 10-15% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in people who have never smoked.
If you believe you have one or more of the risk factors, talk to your physician today about your lung health and overall wellness.
Click here to email your question about lung cancer or request more information.