Risk Factors/Risk Reduction

• Smoking
  Smoking is the greatest single risk factor for developing lung cancer. About 90% of lung cancer is a result of smoking.
  • One-pack-a-day cigarette smoker = 25 times more likely to get lung cancer than a non-smoker
  • Cigar or pipe smoker = 5 times more likely to get lung cancer than a non-smoker.

  Quitting can eventually reduce the risk. Fifteen years after quitting, former smokers' risk of getting lung cancer is about the same as non-smokers.

• Second-Hand Smoke
  Breathing in smoke from smokers at home or at work increases the chance of getting lung cancer by about 25%. Young children's lungs are especially susceptible to damage from second-hand smoke. If smokers avoid smoking around non-smokers or in rooms, automobiles or other enclosed spaces non-smokers use, they can reduce the risk of causing the non-smoker to get lung cancer from passive, or second-hand, smoke.

• Asbestos Fibers
  Asbestos was once widely used in the United States. Since 1989 most - but not all - industrial and construction uses of asbestos have been banned. Because of its widespread former use in insulation materials, many older buildings still contain asbestos. Working with or around asbestos greatly increases the risk of getting lung cancer. Smoking multiplies that risk.
  • Working with or around asbestos = 5 times more likely to get lung cancer than average.
  • Working with or around asbestos and smoking = 50-90 times more likely to get lung cancer than average.

  Meticulous care is using a respirator when working with or around asbestos may reduce the risk. Strict adherence to workplace regulations may also help.

  As with virtually all lung cancer, stopping smoking reduces risk.

• Radon Gas
  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in the ground. Radon gas generally dissipates outdoors, but it can accumulate in dangerously high levels in buildings. Factors which may lead to high indoor air radon levels include:
  • Geography. Radon levels vary significantly by location.
  • Slab foundation
  • Basement
  • Un-ventilated or not-fully-ventilated crawl space
  • Sump pump
  • Private well water
  • Buildings over granite

  Radon concentration zones (source: www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html)

  The EPA has recommends a level of less than 4 picocuries per liter as safe. They estimate that approximately 6-7% of U. S. homes are above the safe level. Kits to test radon levels are available in most hardware stores. When an unsafe level is found it can be lowered by sealing the routes through which radon enters the house or increasing ventilation in the building to reduce the radon concentration.

• Heredity
  Having a relative with lung cancer increases a person's chance of getting lung cancer. This genetic susceptibility to the disease makes it especially important to be aware of lung cancer warning signs and to avoid smoking.