Lung cancer cannot be attributed to a single cause. As a result of researches, many causes of lung cancer have been found. Various factors may play a role in the development of lung cancer. Many of these are associated with tobacco use.
Cancer is not contagious.
Some people have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than others. Cancer risk increases in the following situations:
Smoking and Lung Cancer; Smoking causes lung cancer. Harmful substances (carcinogens) in tobacco damage the cells in the lung. Over time, these harmful effects can cause cancer in the cells. a smoker’s lung cancer; At what age he started smoking, how long he has been smoking, the number of cigarettes he smokes per day, how deeply he inhales the cigarette. Quitting smoking greatly reduces a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.
Cigar and pipe and lung Cancer; Cigar and pipe smokers are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. How many years a person has smoked a cigar or pipe, how many times a day he smokes and how deeply he inhales are the factors affecting the risk of cancer. Although they do not inhale, cigar and pipe smokers are also at risk for other types of lung and mouth cancer. Passive smokers (exposed to tobacco smoke); The risk of developing lung cancer also increases in the case of passive smoking.
Asbestos and lung Cancer; It is a mineral group that is used in some industries as an insulation material and is naturally found in fiber form. Asbestos fibers tend to break up into particles and circulate through the air and stick to clothing. When these particles are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, where they damage the lung cells and thus increase the risk of developing cancer. Studies have shown that workers exposed to asbestos are 3-4 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those not exposed. This increase is greater for those working in industries such as shipbuilding, asbestos mines, insulation work, and brake repair. The risk of developing lung cancer is greater if asbestos workers smoke. Asbestos workers must use protective materials provided by their employers and follow recommended work and safety warnings.
Air Pollution and Lung Cancer; An association has been found between lung cancer and exposure to air pollution. But this relationship has not been clearly described and further research is needed.
Lung Diseases; Some lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. Lung cancer tends to develop more in areas affected by tuberculosis.
Patient’s Story; A person who has had lung cancer once has a higher risk of developing a second lung cancer than a person who has never had cancer. Quitting smoking after a diagnosis of lung cancer can prevent the development of a second lung cancer.
