What Causes Lung Cancer?
Anyone can get lung cancer. Lung cancer happens when cells in the lung mutate or change. Various factors can cause this mutation (a permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene) to happen. Most often, this change in lung cells happens when people breathe in dangerous, toxic substances. Even if you were exposed to these substances many years ago, you are still at risk for lung cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to any of the substances listed below and take steps to reduce your risk and protect your lungs.
Smoking
Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. It causes about 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause lung cancer. If you still smoke, quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your lung health.
Individuals who smoke are not the only people affected by cigarette smoke. If you are someone who used to smoke, your risk is decreased but has not gone away completely—you can still get lung cancer. Those who never smoked can also be negatively impacted by smoking. Breathing in secondhand smoke puts you at risk for lung cancer or other illnesses.
Reduce Your Risk
- Don't start smoking
- Quit smoking if you smoke
- Avoid secondhand smoke
Learn more about how to stop smoking or how to help a loved one quit.
Radon
Radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that exists naturally in soil. It comes up through the soil and enters buildings through small gaps and cracks. One out of every 15 homes in the U.S. are subject to radon exposure. Exposure to radon combined with cigarette smoking significantly increases your lung cancer risk.
Reduce Your Risk
Test your home for radon. You can do this with inexpensive, easy-to-use test kits sold through the Lung Association or at hardware stores.
Hazardous Chemicals
Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals poses a lung cancer risk. Working with materials such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and some petroleum products is especially dangerous. If you think you may be breathing in hazardous chemicals at your job, talk to your employer and your doctor to find out how to protect yourself.
Reduce Your Risk
If you are exposed to dust and fumes at work, ask your health and safety advisor how you are being protected.
Particle Pollution
Particle pollution refers to a mix of very tiny solid and liquid particles that are in the air we breathe. Evidence shows that particle pollution—like that coming from that exhaust smoke—increases the risk of lung cancer.
Reduce Your Risk
Help fight pollution. Work with others in your community to clean up the air you and your family breathe.
Genes
Genetic factors also may play a role in one's chances of developing lung cancer. A family history of lung cancer may mean you are at a higher risk for getting the disease. If others in your family have or ever had lung cancer, it's important to mention this to your doctor.
Page last updated: September 25, 2024
