From the Guidelines
Lung cancer risk factors other than cigarette smoking include exposure to radon, occupational exposures to carcinogens like asbestos and arsenic, family history, personal history of lung diseases like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, and previous radiation therapy to the chest area, as highlighted in the most recent study 1.
Key Risk Factors
- Exposure to secondhand smoke and radon gas
- Occupational exposures to carcinogens like asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel
- Genetic factors, including family history of lung cancer
- Personal history of lung diseases like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest area
- Age, with most lung cancers diagnosed in people over 65
Importance of Early Screening
Early screening and prevention efforts are crucial in individuals with multiple risk exposures, as lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in poor prognosis 1.
Recent Guidelines
The most recent guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend considering lung cancer screening for patients at high risk, including those with a history of smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, and family history of lung cancer 1.
Multidisciplinary Approach
A multidisciplinary approach to nodule management, including specialties like thoracic radiology, pulmonary medicine, and thoracic surgery, is recommended for institutions performing lung cancer screening 1.
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment should consider factors like age, smoking history, and other potential risk factors, including occupational exposure, radon exposure, cancer history, family history, and lung disease history 1.
From the Research
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Other than cigarette smoking, several factors contribute to the risk of developing lung cancer. These include:
- Environmental factors such as radon exposure, domestic fuel smoke, and outdoor air pollution 2, 3, 4
- Infections like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Human Papilloma Virus 3
- Inflammatory diseases such as asthma and sarcoidosis 3
- Exposure to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and toxic metals 4
- Indoor air pollution from cooking fumes, second-hand smoke, and radioactive products from house decoration materials 4
- Genetic factors, which have been identified in recent studies 2
Cumulative Risk Factors
Cumulative nonsmoking risk factors can increase the probability of developing lung cancer 5. These factors include:
- Family history of lung cancer
- Age
- Exposure to radon and other environmental carcinogens
- History of certain infections and inflammatory diseases
Specific Risk Factors for Women
In women, specific risk factors for lung cancer include: