Significant Facts on Lung Cancer

In accordance with the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is still one of the most common forms of cancer these days. Even, later than all of the thousands of antismoking campaigns and a huge decline in the figure of smokers, it is expected that there will be more than 215,000 new cases diagnosed this year, and there will be almost 162,000 deaths.

In 1991 (the latest year that I can get statistics for), 27% of Americans were smokers. It compares to 29% in 1987 and 44% in 1964. The reduction is as a consequence of more people stopping the smoking practice, and NOT due to fewer people beginning the smoking habit. It's clear that all of the attempts to prevent individuals from becoming smokers have not been successful.

Cigarette smoking is deemed the number one cause of the illness. There are substances in smoke that lead to harm to lung cells. On account of this, smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars does lead to lung cancer, and this is why it is also right that secondhand smoke could lead to lung cancer in nonsmokers. The more frequently a person is exposed to tobacco smoke, the greater the risk of lung cancer.



Nevertheless, cigarette smoking is not the merely cause. Researchers have determined too that exposure to radon is a huge risk factor for developing lung cancer. Radon is discovered in mines as well as in a variety of parts of the country in the rock and soil. Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and also tasteless.

Exposure to asbestos is another cause of lung cancer. Those who work at such work s in the construction and chemical industries are most at risk for exposure to asbestos that could lead to lung cancer. A family history of lung cancer, even in those who have never smoked, creates a higher risk for developing the illness as well.