Lung Cancer Causes & Risk Factors

What Increases the Risk of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. It is caused by the excessive multiplication of abnormal cells in the lungs. While early detection and modern treatments have improved survival rates, understanding what increases the chance of developing lung cancer is crucial for prevention.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer particularly doesn't cause symptoms at initial stage. Symptoms of lung cancer generally appears in case the disease reaches up to advanced level.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer that happen in and around the lungs may include:

• A new cough that doesn't go away
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
   

Signs and symptoms appears when lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body are following:

• Bone pain
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Swelling in the face or neck
• Losing weight without trying

Causes

Lung cancer occurs if cells in the lungs develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA regulate the instructions that tell a cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions tell the cells to die at a set time. In cancer cells, the DNA changes give multiple instructions.

The changes tell the cancer cells to make many more cells in a while. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells would die. This causes too many cells. The cancer cell may form a mass called tumour. This tumour can grow to invade and kill the healthy body tissue. In a while, cancer cells can break away and spread to other body parts. When cancer spreads, called as metastatic cancer. 

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancers as it can cause in both people who smoke and who are exposed to in second-hand smoking. However, lung cancer also occurs in people who never smoked or been indulged with second-hand smoke. In this condition, there may be no clear cause of lung cancer.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is divided into two major types based on the appearance of the cells under a microscope. Your healthcare professional makes treatment decisions based on which major type of lung cancer you have.

The two main types of lung cancer include:

• Small cell lung cancer: Generally, mostly occurs in people who have smoked heavily for years. Small cell lung cancer is less common as compared with the non-small cell lung cancer.
• Non-small cell lung cancer: This lung cancer category that involves multiple types of lung cancers. Non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Smoking is the Number One Risk

Smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer. More than 70% of lung cancer cases are directly caused by years of smoking. Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals, many of which are proven carcinogens.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), the most aggressive form of lung cancer, is caused by the chemicals present in tobacco products. Therefore, people who smoke are 15-30 times more likely to develop lung cancer.

Second-Hand Smoke

Breathing in smoke from others, often called passive or second-hand smoking, also increases lung cancer risk. Whether it happens at home, in social settings, or at work, long-term exposure to smoke harms the lungs.

Low Air Quality and Air Pollution

 
Outdoor air pollution, especially in urban and industrial areas, contributes to a growing number of lung cancer diagnoses. Smoke from diesel exhaust, for example, can cause significant harm to your lungs. 

Moreover, places with low AQI (Air Quality Index) pose a threat. Even indoor air can be a problem. Poor ventilation, use of biomass fuels, and exposure to indoor pollutants may pose similar risks. 

Silent Killer: Radon 

Radon is a colourless, odourless and naturally available radioactive gas which plays a major role in lung cancer. It can be found in rocks and soil and can seep into homes. Without proper ventilation, high levels of radon can be deadly. 

Testing home radon levels is easy and affordable. If levels are high, simple ventilation or sealing methods can significantly reduce the danger.

Exposure to Workplace Carcinogens

Some work environments demand exposure to hazardous substances that increase lung cancer risk. These include:

●  Diesel exhaust
●  Arsenic
●  Asbestos
●  Silica dust
●  Certain chemicals used in manufacturing
 

Previous Lung Conditions

Lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or tuberculosis can leave scars or weaken lung defences. These changes make the lungs more susceptible to cancerous growth.

People with such histories should attend regular check-ups and avoid additional irritants like smoke or pollutants.

Occupational and Environmental Exposures

Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic, which can occur through contaminated drinking water in certain parts of the world or in specific occupations like smelting, is a known risk factor for several cancers, including lung cancer.

Clinical Study: How Smoking is Related to Lung Cancer

Decades of extensive research, including large studies by organizations like the World Health Organization, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. These studies confirm that the duration and intensity of smoking directly affect cancer risk. 

Combined exposure also increases lung cancer risk. The study supports the idea that risk is not just about one factor but about how several risks interact over time.

Moreover, this study suggests that quitting smoking significantly helps to reduce risk. Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting. 

Lung cancer develops over time, often silently. However, understanding what increases your chance of getting it gives you the tools to stay ahead. Quitting smoking can help you lower the risk of getting lung cancer. If you or your loved ones need help to quit, call National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) at 1800-112-356.

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→ Survival Rate for Stage 3 Cancer

→ Survival Rate for Stage 4 Cancer

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