Lung cancer causes
There are many different causes of lung cancer. By knowing the common causes of lung cancer and taking steps to avoid or address them, you can reduce your risk of getting the disease.
Causes of lung cancer
- Smoking
- Passive smoking
- Exposure to asbestos, silica and other workplace chemicals
- Diesel fumes and air pollution
- Exposure to radon gas
- Family history
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise.
The most common cause of lung cancer
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking causes more than 70% of all lung cancers.
People who smoke or used to smoke have an increased risk of getting lung cancer. According to the NHS, if you smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day, you are 25 times more likely to get lung cancer than someone who does not smoke. This is why currently lung cancer screening is available to people with a history of smoking.
You also have a higher risk of lung cancer if you are regularly exposed to other people’s smoke. This is known as second hand smoking or passive smoking.
Other causes of lung cancer
Whilst smoking is the single biggest cause of lung cancer, it is by no means the only cause. People who have never smoked can still get lung cancer. Approximately 28% of lung cancers are not caused by smoking.
Exposure to workplace chemicals
It is estimated that approximately 13% of lung cancers are caused by occupational exposure. People in certain occupations can have a higher risk of developing lung cancer because they are exposed to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, silica, coal and nickel. This can include:
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Firefighting
- Glass making and bricklaying
- Farming.
Diesel fumes and air pollution
Exposure to diesel fumes can increase a person’s risk of getting lung cancer. Outdoor air pollution roughly causes 1 in every 10 lung cancers in the UK.
In 2013, a panel assembled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that air pollution, and in particular a microscopic particle known as PM2.5, can cause lung cancer.
The PM2.5 particle comes from both natural and manmade sources, including dust storms, forest fires, power plants, transport, fireplaces and wood burning stoves.
Measuring approximately 1/30th of the width of a human hair, the PM2.5 particle can lodge deep in a person’s lungs and eventually cause cancer.
Recent studies have found that air pollution can ‘wake up’ cells with cancer-causing mutations and encourage them to grow. By understanding this, we may be able to find ways to stop cells from responding to air pollution and therefore reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Radon gas
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), ionising radiation causes 5% of lung cancers in the UK.
Radon gas is a natural gas that comes from rocks and soil. If it builds up indoors, it can increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. When the radioactive particles are breathed in, they can get trapped in the lungs. As they then break down, they can damage lung tissue and gradually increase the risk of lung cancer. The more a person is exposed to radon, the higher the risk of lung cancer.
Family history
A study from 2012 found that people whose sibling was diagnosed with lung cancer have an increased risk of lung cancer (82%), whilst people whose parent has/had the disease has a 25-37% increased risk. This is independent of smoking.
Mandee is the fourth generation in her family to have lung cancer. Her mother, grandmother and great grandmother all died of the lung cancer. Mandee was diagnosed in 2017 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy to successfully treat her cancer.
Poor diet and lack of exercise
Eating a poor diet or not exercising can increase the risk of developing cancers, including lung cancer.
Some studies suggest that consuming red meat, processed meat and alcoholic drinks could increase the risk of lung cancer. However, there is not currently any evidence to indicate that specific foods cause the disease.
Other studies have found that people who do not exercise or who sit for at least eight hours a day and are physically inactive have an increased chance of getting lung cancer.
Reduce your risk of lung cancer
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of lung cancer.
Stop smoking
If you are still smoking, the best way to reduce your risk of getting lung cancer is to stop. It is never too late to stop smoking and there are many immediate and long-term benefits to stopping.
For help and advice about quitting, visit our Stop Smoking pages or join our free online forum, Quit Support.
Avoid second-hand smoke
Exposure to second-hand smoke is also a cause of lung cancer so it is important to avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible.
If any of your family members smoke, ask them to go outside and not smoke in the house or car. Better still, encourage them to stop smoking for good – for their health and yours too.
Reduce air pollution
It is difficult to completely avoid air pollution, particularly if you live and/or work in a major city. It’s important to remember your risk of getting lung cancer which is caused by air pollution is relatively low.
Instead, we should all concentrate on playing our part in reducing air pollution levels. This can include walking or cycling to places instead of going in the car, or for places further afield, take public transport.
We should also avoid using open fireplaces and wood burning stoves, particularly in confined spaces.
Be aware of your family history
If there is a family history of lung cancer and you are concerned or anxious, it may be worth speaking to your GP and making sure it is noted on your medical record.
If you are experiencing any lung cancer symptoms, make sure to highlight your family history to your GP.
Check your home for radon
Radon levels are generally low in the UK. However, some areas including the south-west of England and parts of Wales, can experience higher levels. Public Health England’s UK Radon Map can tell you more about the levels of radon gas in your region.
Eat well
It is important to eat a well balance diet and stay active to reduce your risk of all cancers, including lung cancer.
Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Reduce your fat intake and eat less sugar and salt. We also recommend eating healthier proteins like fresh chicken, fish and/or pulses and reduce the amount of red and processed meats.
Watch what you drink
The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk of all cancers, including lung cancer. Men and women are advised to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.
An easy mistake is to think one drink equals one unit. It doesn’t! The number of units in a drink varies depending on the size of the bottle or glass, as well as the strength of the alcohol (Alcohol by Volume ABV).
Exercise regularly
Adults are recommended to do at least 2 and a half hours of exercise each week. We’re not talking about running marathons; it’s anything that increases your heart rate, makes you a little bit out of breath and warms you up. This can include:
- Brisk walking
- Household chores
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Gardening
- Dancing
- Yoga or Pilates
- Team sports.
Exercising regularly can also improve your mood, reduce stress and boost your energy. It also helps reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
It is important to do as much as you can to reduce the risk of lung cancer. However, even those with a low risk can get lung cancer. If you are experiencing any lung cancer symptoms, you need to contact your GP practice.