…Including me?
Unfortunately, yes. It may develop in anybody even without any apparent risk factors. While some factors can be random occurrences, others might be caused by variables that we do not yet understand. The exact causes are unknown. However, we do have a pretty good idea of many of the risk factors and how they can promote tumor development.
I am smoking, so…?
You guessed it. Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, responsible for a high majority of all lung cancer fatalities. Smokers who are subjected to additional recognized hazards such as radon and asbestos have an even higher chance of developing the condition.
I don’t smoke, so…?
Many individuals with lung cancer were smokers at some point, others never touched a cigarette. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) can occur in someone who has never smoked, albeit it is uncommon. But keep this in mind: Second-hand smoke is a significant factor in many additional cases.
Is it my genes…?
Genetic changes may be responsible for tumor development. For lung cancer, numerous changes in many genes are usually required. These can either be inherited or acquired.
Gene changes, that were inherited:
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Genetic faults from people’s parents. However, inherited changes are not considered to be a major cause of lung cancers.
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Being born with a reduced capacity to break down or eliminate carcinogenic compounds in the body. These are present in tobacco smoke and can raise the risk.
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Being born with defective gene-repair mechanisms that might make people particularly susceptible to cancer-inducing chemicals and radiation.
Gene changes, that were acquired:
They typically occur throughout a person’s lifetime rather than being passed down. Lung cell mutations occur because of environmental exposures, such as tobacco smoke carcinogens. But certain gene changes may be random occurrences that happen inside a cell.