The phrases "lung cancer" and "smoking" are often closely related to one another. Therefore, it can be a devastating shock for a non-smoker to hear the news that he or she has been diagnosed with cancer of the lungs. In fact, nearly 15% of all lung cancer patients have never smoked tobacco. Out of every five women diagnosed with this form of cancer, one is a non-smoker. In cases of men, the same is true for one in every ten. While smoking is the leading cause of cancerous tumors in the lungs, it is not the only cause.
Lung Cancer Caused from Second Hand Smoke
Second hand smoke contributes to over 3000 deaths per year due to lung cancer. The smoke from another person's cigarette contributes to two types of inhalation for the people around or near it. One form comes from the person puffing and the other is formed from the cigar or cigarette sitting and smoldering. The high risk health factors that non-smokers experience from second hand smoke has encouraged and enforced several public bans on smoking.
Asbestos as a Contributor to Cancer of the Lungs
In the past, a common material of use for insulation contained asbestos. Once asbestos fibers enter into the lungs through exposure, they remain in the lung tissue for life. Many people were exposed to asbestos through their place of work. The fibers that entered into their lungs caused a form of cancer known as mesothelioma, which affects the pleura and peritoneum of the lung. Since the discovery of linking asbestos to mesothelioma, asbestos has been banned in countries.
Radon Gas and Cancerous Lungs
Radon gas is the second leading cause of cancer tumors in the United States. Around 20,000 deaths each year from lung cancer are contributed to exposure to radon. The gas is odorless and cannot be seen. However, it can rise from the soil and into homes through pipes and cracks. Test kits are designed to detect the fumes. It is estimated that one in about every 15 homes has a dangerous level of radon gas.
Air Pollution as a Cause of Lung Tumors
Just under 1% of those that pass from lung tumors is contributed to air pollution. Breathing in polluted air can damage the lungs. This pollution can come from cars, trucks, factories, and power plants. Long term exposure to air pollution is often considered to be equivalent to second hand smoke.
Although many cases of lung cancer are tracked back to damage caused from smoking, never assume that not smoking or quitting smoking eliminates the possibility of cancer of the lungs. Any time that a condition with breathing causes a concern, it should be discussed and examined with a doctor as quickly as possible. In addition, all above factors should be avoided as much as possible to decrease the risk of developing cancerous lungs.
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