Cancer risk factors are things that put you at higher risk for having cancer. Lung cancer risk factors may include:
- Smoking: people who smoke cigarettes, pipes, and cigars or who inhale secondhand smoke are at risk for lung cancer. The longer a person breathes in smoke, the higher his or her risk for lung cancer
- Being around radon: radon is a gas that you cannot smell or taste. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. Radon is also found in some homes
- Being around asbestos or other chemicals: some jobs expose people to chemicals, nickel, asbestos, arsenic, chromium, soot, and tar, which increase the risk for lung cancer. Living in an area with a lot of air pollution also increases a person's risk
- Having a family member who has had lung cancer: if your father, mother, brother, or sister has had lung cancer, you may have a higher risk for having it, even if you do not smoke
- Health history and age: if you have had lung cancer in the past or are over age 65, you have a higher risk for lung cancer
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for lung cancer.
To the right are examples of organizations and resources you may find helpful. Click on the links to visit those websites and learn more.