People’s genes influence their susceptibility to lung cancer. Lung cancer tends to run in families, so a certain predisposition may be inherited. Also, some people are more susceptible to carcinogens like those found in tobacco smoke.
Cigarette smoking has been identified as the leading cause of lung cancer; at least four out of five lung cancer cases are associated with cigarette smoking. Anyone who smokes one pack of cigarettes a day is 20 times more likely than a nonsmoker to develop lung cancer. And the risk increases as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases.
Smokers who quit the habit significantly reduce their risk of developing lung cancer, although they will always be slightly more at risk than nonsmokers. Cigar and pipe smokers are almost as likely to develop lung cancer as cigarette smokers.
Secondhand tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. Nonsmokers who live or work with smokers are at a higher risk for developing the disease.
The best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke or be around secondhand tobacco smoke. People who do smoke should quit.
Workers who work daily with silica, asbestos, coal dust, or radon are more likely than the average person to develop lung cancer as well. However, some people who have never smoked or worked with asbestos still develop lung cancer.
Several imaging tests may be used to diagnose lung cancer: X-rays, MRI, CT scan, and PET scan.
