Lung Cancer: Overview

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Modified on 2009/10/14 21:39 by admin

» Lung Cancer: Overview

Lung cancer is the most common cancer-related cause of death in American adults. Lung cancer is declining among white and black males; however, the disease continues to increase among both white and African-American women. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Estimates indicate that more than 80% of lung cancer cases result from smoking. Cigarette smoke contains many carcinogens, as well as chemicals that increase the potency of these carcinogens. "Passive smoking" or "secondhand smoke" is another major cause of lung cancer. Secondhand smoke is cigarette smoke inhaled by nonsmokers. Government studies have found that secondhand smoke causes an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year. As is obvious, if you smoke, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Male smokers are 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Female smokers are 12 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. The longer you smoke, the greater your risk of developing lung cancer. Aside from tobacco smoke, radon, an invisible and odorless radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Estimates indicate that approximately 15,000 Americans die annually from radon induced lung cancer. According to the EPA, approximately 1 in 15 homes has radon levels at or above recommended guidelines. The combination of cigarette smoke and radon exposure significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Workplace carcinogen exposure is another leading cause of lung cancer. Cancer causing agents commonly found in work environments include, but are not limited to, asbestos, silica dust, mustard gas, coke-oven emissions, nickel, radiation, uranium, arsenic, and others. Workplace exposure causes over 17,000 lung cancer deaths annually.

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Lung Cancer: Overview

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