Causes - Risk factors
Lung cancer is mainly caused by smoking or by breathing in second-hand smoke. 90% of lung cancers in men and more than 70% in women could be prevented by smoke-free environments. However, lung cancer can also be caused by other carcinogens such as radon gas, asbestos and other toxic products like uranium and arsenic.
Risk of getting lung cancer
Relating to the causes of lung cancer, people smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes, breathing in second-hand smoke and exposed to asbestos or radon are most at risk of lung cancer. A combination of any of the above risk factors puts people at much higher risk for lung cancer.
