What Causes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Chandra P. Belani, MD
Deputy Director, Penn State Cancer Institute
Miriam Beckner Professor of Medicine
Penn State University School of Medicine
 

Smoking accounts for about 90 percent of lung cancer cases. In heavy smokers, those smoking more than 40 cigarettes a day, the risk of developing lung cancer is 18 to 24 times higher than that of a nonsmoker.

Lung cancer can also develop from exposure to secondhand smoke, and may account for 2 percent to 3 percent of all lung cancer cases. Other risk factors include: 

  • Smoking marijuana cigarettes, which:
    • Contain more tar than tobacco cigarettes
    • Are inhaled very deeply
    • Are smoked all the way to the end where tar content is the highest
  • Recurring inflammation, such as from tuberculosis and some types of pneumonia
  • Exposure to asbestos
  • Cancer-causing agents in the workplace, including:
    • Radioactive ores such as uranium
    • Arsenic
    • Vinyl chloride
    • Nickel chromates
    • Coal products
    • Mustard gas
    • Chloromethyl ethers
    • Fuels such as gasoline
    • Diesel exhaust
  • Radon - a radioactive gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and sometimes seeps up through basements or foundations.
  • A family history of lung cancer
  • Air pollution and industrial gas emissions
This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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