Lung Cancer

Home » Lung Cancer » Lung Cancer Causes

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Lung Cancer
(Free Handout)

Lung Cancer Causes

It is estimated that approximately 80% of lung cancer deaths in men and 75% of lung cancer deaths in women are related to tobacco smoking. The more cigarettes that a person smokes each day and the younger he or she began smoking, the greater the lung cancer risk. Among smokers, lung cancer rates are lower in people who smoke filter cigarettes and low-tar/low-nicotine brands; however, these rates are still significantly higher than in nonsmokers.

People who quit smoking can reduce their risk for developing lung cancer. After 10 to 15 years, this risk approaches the risk of nonsmokers. People who smoke pipes or cigars have a higher risk for lung cancer than nonsmokers, but a lower risk than cigarette smokers.

Additional risk factors, such as exposure to secondhand smoke, asbestos, radon, occupational chemicals and age, race, sex, and heredity, also may play a role in lung cancer development. Some studies suggest that the risk for lung cancer may be reduced by the dietary intake of micronutrients, such as carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium.

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Lung Cancer Resources

	Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Cancer The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make decisions about your cancer treatment. Print this free handout to take with you on your next office visit.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Join Our Lung Cancer Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. National Cancer Survivors Day is June 7, 2009 Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read stories already submitted
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer