Cause of Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Treatment | Lung Cancer Information

More than 87% of lung cancer sufferers confirm that the cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking, and for the rest, the cause of lung cancer is an environmental exposure to tobacco smoke. The other causes of lung cancer include exposure to a cancer causing agent in the work place or a family or personal history of lung cancer.

Recently, scientists have found how these causes of lung cancer modify the DNA of cells in the lungs. The DNA, genetic material usually carries the instruction to the cells what they should do. The main genetic cause of lung cancer is that due to DNA mutations that either activates oncogenes (genes that promote cell division) or inactivates tumor suppressor genes (genes that slow down cell division or cause cells to die at the appropriate time). There may be proliferation of cells due to the DNA mutation, which is uncontrollable and finally lead to lung cancer. Sometimes, but very rare, this mutation of DNA may be inherited during one's lifetime and may act as a cause of lung cancer.

Asbestos workers are seven times more likely to become a victim of lung cancer. An important cause of lung cancer apart from tobacco smoking is exposure to asbestos fiber. Asbestos workers are at risk 50 to 90 times greater than that of the common man. The greater risk of developing lung cancer starts from the pleura irrespective of smokers and non-smokers, and knowing this, the government has totally stopped the usage of asbestos in industrial and commercial products.

Radon, a radioactive gas, is produced in the natural process of uranium breakdown. Indoor radon is more of a risk than outdoor radon. Houses built on uranium rich soil develop a high rate of indoor radon, which is a main cause of lung cancer in that area.

There are other carcinogens present in the workplace that act as a main cause of lung cancer. These causes include fuels such as gasoline, diesel exhaust, mustard gas, inhaled minerals or chemicals such as arsenic, vinyl chloride, coal products, beryllium, nickel chromates, etc.

Marijuana is considered to be a cause of lung cancer as well as throat and mouth cancer. Like tobacco, marijuana contains tumor-causing substances but the percentage of tar in marijuana is more than that of cigarettes.

Although there are numerous reasons for lung cancer, tobacco smoking is considered to be the primary cause of lung cancer. Hence, quitting smoking is considered to be the best treatment for eliminating the cause of lung cancer.