The main cause of lung cancer is smoking. It is also caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos. Patient's clinical, environmental, and occupational history, therefore, is an important component of evaluating lung cancer risk factors.

Most people who develop lung cancer are long-term heavy smokers. The more one smokes and for the longer time, the higher the risks of developing tobacco, cigarette smoking related chest/lung cancer. People who live with or work closely with a smoker are also at increased risk of developing lung cancer because of the exposure to second-hand smoke.

Lung cancer risk factors include:

• Exposure to Asbestos,
• Working with Arsenic,
• Working with Nickel,
• Working with petroleum products,
• Exposure to Radon gas,
• Exposure to Uranium
• Age - Lung cancer is not so common in people under age 40 years. The risk is much greater after age 65.
• Smoking history - Anyone that smokes more than 30 cigarette packs per year is at risk of lung cancer, and
• Family history.

Smoking and the other factors listed above are common lung cancer risk factors. However, there has been some cases of lung cancer documented that did not have direct involvement of any of the above risk factors. Lung cancer Statistics do show, however, that to a large extent, lung cancer is caused by smoking.

Additional information available on: Lung Cancer Causes, Lung Cancer Risk Factors, Lung Cancer Early Signs, Lung Cancer Symptoms, Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis, Staging of Lung Cancer Tumors, Lung Cancer Treatment, Lung Cancer Vaccine, Lung Cancer Prognosis, Small Cell Lung Cancer, - SCLC, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC, Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Lung Cancer, Asbestos, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure, Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Treatment, Mesothelioma Drugs, Mesothelioma Surgery, Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs, and Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy.

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Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.