Lung Cancer: Causes and Consequences

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world, both in number of cases and mortality.

Causes of Lung Cancer Smoking causes approximately 87% of cases. Cigarette smoke contains over 5,000 chemicals, 33 of which are known carcinogens. The incidence of lung cancer increases with the number smoked per day and the number of years smoking. Watch this!

Causes of Lung Cancer Second hand smoke causes about 3% of cases. The number of cases has declined in countries where smoking is banned indoors and in public places.

Causes of Lung Cancer Air pollution probably causes about 5% of lung cancers. Air pollution that is the most significant are diesel exhaust fumes, nitrogen oxides from all vehicle exhaust fumes and smoke from burning coal, wood or other organic matter.

Causes of Lung Cancer Radon gas causes significant numbers of cases of lung cancer in some parts of the world. Radon is a natural radioactive gas that leaks out of certain rocks such as granite. It accumulates in badly ventilated buildings and then people inhale large concentrations of it.

Causes of Lung Cancer Asbestos, silica and some other solids can cause lung cancer if dust or other particles are inhaled. This usually happens on construction sites or in quarries, mines or factories X-ray showing effects of silicosis

Consequences/Symptoms of Lung Cancer The following are used to diagnose the disease: Difficulty breathing Persistent coughing Coughing up blood Chest pain Loss of appetite Weight loss General fatigue

Consequences/Symptoms of Lung Cancer In most patients the tumor is already large when discovered and very likely has metastasized, with secondary tumors throughout the body. Mortality rates are high, with only 15% of patients surviving more than 5 years.