What Are the Causes of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. It occurs when cells in the lung mutate and begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumours. Understanding the causes of lung cancer can help with prevention and early detection. Medical Oncologist in Ahmedabad schedule follow-up appointments to monitor how well treatments are working. They order scans and tests to check if the cancer is responding, stable, or worsening and change treatment plans as needed.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. The carcinogens and toxins in tobacco smoke damage lung cells, causing cancerous changes. The risk increases with both the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the total duration of smoking. Secondhand smoke exposure also raises lung cancer risk.

Other tobacco products like pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco also contain cancer-causing chemicals. Stopping tobacco use at any age can lower lung cancer risk compared to those who continue smoking.

Radon Gas Exposure

Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that occurs naturally from the radioactive decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It can accumulate in buildings at dangerous levels. Breathing in radon over time raises lung cancer risk, causing approximately 3% of lung cancer deaths.

Homes, offices, and schools in certain geographic areas tend to have higher radon levels. Radon testing and mitigation of buildings can help reduce exposure to this carcinogen.

Air Pollution

Prolonged exposure to air pollution is a contributor to lung cancer risk. Car exhaust, industrial emissions, smoke, and dust contain harmful particles and gases that can damage the lungs. Lung cancer risk is especially high among people exposed regularly through their occupations.

Where one lives can also affect exposure to carcinogenic air pollution. Protective masks, improved ventilation, and air filtration systems can help lower risks.

Family History

Those with a parent, sibling, or other close relative with lung cancer have a higher risk of developing lung cancer themselves. Certain genetic mutations passed down in families predispose people to lung cancer. The risk is highest for those with relatives diagnosed at a young age or multiple close family members with lung cancer.

Radiation Therapy

AT HCG Hospital Ahmedabad, People treated with radiation therapy to the chest area for other types of cancers have a small but increased risk of eventually developing lung cancer. This risk is much lower with modern radiation techniques. Still, this highlights the carcinogenic effects of radiation on lung tissue.

Avoiding tobacco, limiting exposure to air pollution and radon, and getting regular cancer screening can help lower lung cancer risk, even among those with a family history or other risk factors. Talk to your doctor right away if you experience concerning respiratory symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.