10 Risk Factors Of Lung Cancer

By Pooja Kaushal

Saturday, April 18, 2015, 12:11 [IST]

The very name of cancer runs a shiver down the spine. While many fight it and survive there are many who succumb to it.

Being a survivor is no less than a battle with all the strong doses of medicines, chemo-therapies, radiation and the side effects related to each one. Not only does the patient suffer but the near and dear ones who are witness to the plight of the patient.

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While causes of many cancers cannot be defined there are risk factors of lung cancer that can be pointed out.

Though the risk factors are broadly defined it is not necessary that everyone exposed to those will be affected in the same manner.

It also depends upon an individual and how the body reacts to each condition. While many people escape the disease some fall prey to it.

Early Signs Of Lung Cancer

Given here are some of the major risk factors of lung cancer. They can be said to increase the chances of contracting the disease but are not certain for everyone. The chances, however, increase with age.

Smoking

This one has been notorious to top the list of risk factors for lung cancer. Every country realizes this fact, every smoker is aware of the risks and yet the use of cigarettes, cigars and hookahs are not discontinued. The lungs go on absorbing the smoke and the smoker moves closer to the disease.

Passive Smoking

Not a smoker but being close enough to a smoker and inhaling the cigarette ‘polluted' air as much a risk as smoking. The smoke that you inhale in this manner makes you a passive smoker or a second hand smoker. Due to this reason smoking has been banned in public in many countries.

Radon

A colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium from soil and rocks is radon. This becomes a part of the air we breathe and accumulates in homes and buildings.

Being exposed to this gas is one the major risk factors of lung cancer coming after smoking. Getting the air tested for radon would be a good move to rule out chances of its presence.

Family History

No matter what the conditions prevail around you the family history of a disease cannot be escaped. This is a risk factor we carry along with us. The only option here is to take proper precaution, live a healthy lifestyle and steer clear of risk factors as much as possible.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is often used as a fireproof insulation in many buildings. Inhaling asbestos fibres can increase the risk of lung cancer. Also people working in the asbestos industry are constantly exposed to it and at a greater risk.

Diesel Engine Exposure

Working as a public transport driver, living in a heavy traffic area laden with diesel engine smoke or working as a traffic controller on the roads can lead to increased risks of lung cancer.

Outdoor Pollution

It is no doubt that the air we breathe now is not at all safe. It is loaded with various kinds of chemicals, smoke, suspended particles and exhaust from vehicles. The number of cars and other vehicles running on the streets is increasing day by day adding on to the pollution factor of the environment which are risk factors for lung cancer.

Previous Lung Disease

For those having had lung disease like tuberculosis or pneumonia the chances of falling prey to lung cancer are higher than those who have no lung disease history. When infected with any kind of lung related ailment it is important to get it completely cured.

Indoor Burning Of Coal & Wood

Compared to earlier times there are reduced instances of burning wood and charcoal as home fuel but cannot be completely negated. There are still many parts of world in which people use these materials as fuel for home use making them vulnerable.

Occupational Exposure To Carcinogens

There are many occupations in which workers are exposed to chemical carcinogens. Exposure to beryllium, cadmium, cobalt-tungsten carbide, nickel compounds and many more such chemical can cause increased risk of lung cancer.