Health Science

Surprising factors that increase the risk for lung cancer

Learn about the surprising factors that increase the risk for lung cancer, including air pollution, radon gas, and indoor burning of coal or wood. Find out how you can reduce your risk by stanleyskeldon
Estimated reading time: 3 min 16 sec
Surprising factors that increase the risk for lung cancer Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. It is one of the most common types of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, there are several surprising risk factors that most people are unaware of. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 surprising factors that increase the risk for lung cancer.

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution is a well-known health hazard, and studies have shown that exposure to polluted air increases the risk of lung cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for more than 7 million premature deaths each year. The main sources of air pollution are transportation, power generation, industry, and agriculture.

2. Radon Gas

Radon gas is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. It is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes and buildings and accumulate to dangerous levels. According to the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.

3. Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking, is the smoke that is exhaled by smokers and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondhand smoke is responsible for about 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year in non-smokers in the United States.

4. Indoor Burning of Coal or Wood

Indoor burning of coal or wood for heating or cooking can release harmful chemicals and particles into the air. Exposure to these pollutants over a long period of time can increase the risk of lung cancer.

5. Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was used extensively in the past in construction, manufacturing, and other industries.

Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, as well as mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen.

Related Article Unanticipated causes of lung cancer Unanticipated causes of lung cancer

6. Diesel Exhaust

Diesel exhaust is a mixture of gases and particles that is emitted from diesel engines. It is a known carcinogen and has been linked to lung cancer, as well as other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and respiratory problems.

7. Genetics

While most cases of lung cancer are linked to environmental factors, genetics can also play a role.

Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing lung cancer, which means they are more at risk of developing the disease even if they do not smoke or are not exposed to other risk factors.

8. Obesity

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, people who are obese are more likely to develop lung cancer than those who are not obese.

9. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to relieve symptoms of menopause in women, but it has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer.

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, women who use estrogen-only HRT are more likely to develop lung cancer than women who do not use HRT.

10. Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements are often promoted as a way to prevent cancer, but some studies have suggested that high doses of certain vitamins, such as beta-carotene, can actually increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

It is best to get your nutrients from a balanced diet rather than relying on supplements.

Conclusion

While smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, there are several surprising factors that can also increase the risk of this deadly disease.

By being aware of these risk factors and taking steps to reduce your exposure, you can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer and protect your health.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Childhood asthma cases linked to air pollution Childhood asthma cases linked to air pollution Estrogen: Friend or Foe of a Woman’s Health? Estrogen: Friend or Foe of a Woman’s Health? Exploring women’s sexual happiness in menopause Exploring women’s sexual happiness in menopause Preventing breast cancer: Simple steps you can take Preventing breast cancer: Simple steps you can take Are You Getting Enough Vitamins Daily? Are You Getting Enough Vitamins Daily? Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider The connection between air pollution and kidney disease The connection between air pollution and kidney disease The Effects of Pollution on Our Health The Effects of Pollution on Our Health Toxic Air: The Hidden Threat to Women’s Fertility Toxic Air: The Hidden Threat to Women’s Fertility Reviving the Elderly’s Libido with Testosterone Therapy Reviving the Elderly’s Libido with Testosterone Therapy Effects of air pollution on HDL cholesterol Effects of air pollution on HDL cholesterol Why city dwellers face higher risk of dementia Why city dwellers face higher risk of dementia Managing Menopause: Lifestyle Changes Managing Menopause: Lifestyle Changes Air Pollution and its Impact on Women’s Fertility Air Pollution and its Impact on Women’s Fertility Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Quit Smoking Now Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Quit Smoking Now Cancer and Food: The Culprits Behind 6 Forms of the Disease Cancer and Food: The Culprits Behind 6 Forms of the Disease Bladder cancer: Risk factors for women Bladder cancer: Risk factors for women Good News from ASCO: MSD’s Latest Research Offers Hope for Cancer Patients Good News from ASCO: MSD’s Latest Research Offers Hope for Cancer Patients Father’s habits linked to increased risk for baby Father’s habits linked to increased risk for baby 8 physical conditions that our breath can expose 8 physical conditions that our breath can expose How pollution can cause strokes and other health problems How pollution can cause strokes and other health problems Air Pollution and Breast Cancer: An Unseen Threat Air Pollution and Breast Cancer: An Unseen Threat Aspirin and cancer: What kinds of cancer can aspirin reduce the risk of? Aspirin and cancer: What kinds of cancer can aspirin reduce the risk of? Preventing Lung Cancer: Tips for a Smoke-Free Life Preventing Lung Cancer: Tips for a Smoke-Free Life Sex-specific interventions for gout relief Sex-specific interventions for gout relief The limitations of medical intervention in menopause treatment The limitations of medical intervention in menopause treatment How long does menopause typically last? How long does menopause typically last? Childhood obesity and cancer risk: the facts Childhood obesity and cancer risk: the facts Is coal burning potentially carcinogenic? Is coal burning potentially carcinogenic?
To top