Lung cancer risk factors
While smoking is the most well-known risk factor for lung cancer, other factors increase your risk, too. You can take steps to detect lung cancer early—which often gives you more treatment options.
Risk factors you can change
Certain risk factors for lung cancer are controllable, so you have the power to make changes that could reduce your risk of lung cancer.
Some substances linked to lung cancer that you can avoid include:
- Tobacco smoke: Being a current or former smoker is the leading risk factor for lung cancer.
- Secondhand smoke: Even if you don’t smoke, breathing in the smoke from others using cigarettes or cigars also increases your risk of lung cancer.
- Exposure to radon: Radon is an odorless gas that occurs naturally in the environment. However, exposure to a buildup of this gas in an indoor space, such as your home, increases your risk of lung cancer.
- Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens: Exposure to several different substances and chemicals, including asbestos, radioactive materials or diesel exhaust, puts you at risk for lung cancer.
- Air pollution: Exposure to air pollution can increase your risk for lung cancer.
Risk factors you cannot change
Several risk factors for lung cancer are beyond your control. However, it’s still important to know the risk factors you cannot change and talk with your doctor about other steps to be proactive in caring for your health:
- Age: In general, your risk of lung cancer increases with age. Very few people who develop lung cancer are under 45. The average age of a lung cancer diagnosis is around 70.
- Previous radiation therapy: If you’ve had radiation therapy in the chest area for another type of cancer, including breast cancer or lymphoma, you have a higher risk of lung cancer.
- Air pollution: Exposure to air pollution, especially if you spend much time outdoors in a highly polluted area, can increase your risk.
- Personal or family history of lung cancer: If you have previously had lung cancer, you have a higher risk of developing a new lung cancer. People with a family history may also have an increased risk. Studies are ongoing to understand how specific genes are related to lung cancer.
Types of lung cancer
The type of lung cancer you have will guide your treatment plan. Your care team will place your lung cancer in one of two main groups—non-small or small cell lung cancer—depending on the original location of the abnormal cells.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells grow rapidly in the lining of the tubes, branches or air sacs that make up your lungs. It’s a very common type of cancer. However, it has been declining in recent years. This decline is partly due to fewer people smoking and a broader disease awareness. If you have a history of smoking and meet other criteria, you may qualify for routine lung cancer screening, which catches early signs of lung cancer when it’s most treatable.
There are two main types of lung cancer—non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). While both types of lung cancer start in the lining of the lungs, NSCLC is more common and usually grows slower than SCLC.
Causes of lung cancer
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Exposure to other harmful substances or chemicals could also lead to lung cancer. However, a small number of people develop lung cancer without any risk factors or prior history of cigarette smoking.
How does smoking cause lung cancer
Tobacco smoke is known to contain several substances that are considered cancer-causing, called carcinogens. Exposure to these chemicals over time leads to more and more damage in your lung tissue, which causes abnormal changes to lung cells, which then multiply over time.
Bonny's story: The power of early detection.
When Bonny, a former smoker, noticed signs something was off with her body, a screening test revealed early-stage lung cancer. But with our team, she found the right support to put cancer behind her.
Types of lung cancer
The type of lung cancer you have will guide your treatment plan. Your care team will place your lung cancer in one of two main groups—non-small or small cell lung cancer—depending on the original location of the abnormal cells.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Lung cancer is usually diagnosed when you have symptoms and undergo testing. However, in people at risk for lung cancer, routine screening with a low-dose CT scan can also catch signs of cancer and lead to a diagnosis sooner.
Your care team has several options for imaging tests and diagnostic procedures that help detect and diagnose lung cancer. These tests will provide information about your specific lung cancer to guide your care after diagnosis.
Why Baylor Scott & White Health for lung cancer care
Whether you want to learn about lung cancer screening, find your path forward after a diagnosis or get a second opinion for your treatment, our lung cancer care teams across Texas give you many options. We offer advanced diagnostic technology, complex lung cancer procedures like robotic bronchoscopy, and numerous support services to meet your needs.
Our Dallas and Temple hospitals have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. And with ongoing research and clinical trials, we continue to lead the way in providing even more options for your care.
- Care from multiple specialists in one place
- Lung cancer centers across North and Central Texas
- Third-largest network of accredited cancer centers in the nation
- Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening program
- Advanced, minimally invasive surgical options
- Access to clinical trials
- Patient navigators to advocate for you
- Support services, including support groups and resource centers
- Survivorship program
- Financial assistance program
- Caregiver support
How lung cancer is treated
Many factors affect the right lung cancer treatment for you. Your care team will work with you to create a plan based on your type and stage of lung cancer and your personal health and goals.
Treatment options are often different for non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. Your team may be able to remove cancer with surgery during earlier stages of the condition, while later-stage treatment focuses on slowing the growth of cancer and managing symptoms.
How to prevent lung cancer
While not every case of lung cancer is preventable, you can take steps to reduce your risk. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, so quitting tobacco is one of the best choices for your lungs. If you’re ready to quit, talk with your doctor or find free resources at YesQuit.org or SmokeFree.gov.
Screening is another great choice if you have a high risk. While screening may not prevent lung cancer completely, early detection and treatment can stop the cancer from spreading.
Lung cancer screening
The earlier you find lung cancer, the better. A simple yearly imaging test could detect lung cancer before you have symptoms, especially in people with a high risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to look for signs of cancer or lung nodules, giving you peace of mind about your lung health.
Ask your doctor about a referral for lung cancer screening if you meet the following guidelines:
- 50-80 years old
- Smoking history equal to 20 pack years or more (number of packs per day x number of years smoked = total pack years)
- Current smoker or stopped smoking in the last 15 years
- No lung cancer symptoms
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Lung cancer care near you
You have access to multiple care centers, including centers specializing in lung cancer care. Get started by finding a lung cancer care location near you.