5 Causes of Lung Cancer That You Didn’t Know About

More than 235,000 people in the US are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. And more than half of them are non-smokers.

So, what causes lung cancer? Are there dangers we are unaware of?

There are a few risks that most people don’t know about. Keep reading to discover five common causes of lung cancer.

Causes of Lung Cancer: An Overview

While smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, there are several you might not have thought of. Secondhand smoke is another top cause.

1: Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy to treat the chest area can increase the risks associated with lung cancer. It’s important to take all precautions when receiving radiation therapy on any part of your body.

2: Radon

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that causes lung cancer. It’s naturally found in soil and is radioactive. It enters homes and buildings through cracks and holes. This is a dangerous gas that most people don’t even realize they are inhaling.

You can purchase testing kits or hire a professional to assess your home for radon exposure.

3: Asbestos

Asbestos and other hazardous chemicals can cause lung cancer. Exposure is often found in manufacturing plants. Other potentially hazardous chemicals include:

• Uranium
• Nickel
• Chromium
• Cadmium
• Arsenic
• Petroleum products

Click to learn more about the dangers of asbestos.

4: Air Pollution

Air pollution, such as exhaust from a car, can cause lung cancer. Continued exposure to small, liquid particles in the air can lead to serious health problems. Dust, smoke, and chemicals all contribute to air pollution.

About 1% to 2% of all cases are caused by this one. The more you are exposed to unclean air, the higher your risk.

5: Genes

Unfortunately, some people are born with DNA that is optimal for lung cancer. Some inherited mutations can greatly increase the risk of lung cancer. They can cause cells to become cancerous. Other DNA strands can simply mean your body won’t fight off potential hazards.

There aren’t currently widespread tests available to identify those in danger of cancerous genes, but hopefully, it will become the norm in the future.

How To Maintain Lung Health

While it may be impossible to prevent lung cancer, there are many ways you can promote lung health and decrease your risk.

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, you should stop. And whichever you may be, stay away from secondhand smoke.

You should test your home for radon and avoid hazardous chemicals when working. While this may seem impossible, it’s not. If your company doesn’t have proper protective gear in place, you should talk to a leader about getting some.

Maintain your overall wellness with healthy eating and exercise. This will help to strengthen your lungs.

Now that you understand the five causes of lung cancer, you can help reduce your risk. Check out our blog for more posts regarding your health.