Cigarette Smoking is One of the Greatest Risk Factors
Cigarette smoke contains many carcinogens, as well as other toxins. Cigarette smoke that is breathed into the lungs damages the body's cells, and over time, those cells can become cancerous. The factors which appear to influence whether a person will develop lung cancer are: the age at which the person was when they starting smoking, how deeply the smoke was inhaled, and the number of pack years they have smoked during their lifetime.
Some Environmental Substances That Need to be Avoided
Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that can be present in soil and rocks. People who work in mines are often exposed to radon gas, which may also be found in the foundations of homes in some parts of the United States. Radon causes damage to the lungs which can lead to lung cancer.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that have the naturally occurring characteristic of a fibrous composition. When these fibers break apart and become airborne, they can be inhaled. They then lodge in the lungs, damaging cells and increasing the risk of lung cancer. Asbestos exposure has been responsible for lung problems for centuries, so it is always best to avoid this chemical regardless of whether a person is a heavy smoker, an employee working in a high-exposure environment or a relatively healthy person.
Pollution is suspected to increase the chance of getting lung cancer, especially breathing in the by-products from the combustion of diesel and fossil fuels. National governing bodies from around the world are working to limit the amount of harmful pollutants that enter the atmosphere. They are also striving to find new ways to control the consequences of repeated exposure to chemicals. The links are not 100% clear, and research in this particular area is still underway .
Having a History of Lung Disease and Cancer
Lung disease such as tuberculosis (TB) appears to increase the risk of lung cancer. The cancer tends to form in the areas of the lung which have scar tissue from TB. Tuberculosis is a common yet potentially fatal disease caused by a a group of bacteria known as Mycobacterium. It most commonly affects the respiratory system, but can also attack or areas of the body such as bones, skin, and intestinal regions, and even the circulatory system.
Personal and/or family history of lung cancer: If a person has had lung cancer once, it is more likely to recur. However, that risk is diminished if a person quits smoking. Even the genetic factors that someone may have of contracting lung cancer can be modified by other circumstances such as having a family history of lung cancer.
Sources:
Cigarette Smoking and Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Accessed October 31 2008.
Lung Cancer. American Lung Association. Accessed Oct. 29 2008.
Tuberculosis. Wikipedia. Accessed Oct. 29 2008.
 |
