According to the World Health Organisation, over 2 million people die of lung cancer each year, worldwide. Lung cancers are also the leading cause of cancer deaths. A frightening statistic. And while each case of lung cancer is different and each patient has a unique journey, there are some elements that sufferers share, such as how they developed the disease in the first place and these are the Most Common Causes of Lung Cancer.
The symptoms can vary, but most cases involve a mixture of certain indicators including a new cough that won’t go away, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. It’s important that if you are suffering from any of these symptoms you should reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.
There are several ways you can develop lung cancer and again, each case is individual. Here we’ll examine the most common causes of lung cancer.
Occupational Hazards
Exposure to certain chemicals or pollution can increase your chances of developing cancer. Wondering how do you get mesothelioma lung cancer? Click the link to find out. In industries where dangerous chemicals and pollutants are present, employers should provide adequate protective equipment to keep their employees safe. Sadly, the dangers of certain chemicals weren’t revealed until recently, which means many employees were exposed to dangerous pollutants for years before protective measures were put in place.
Exposure to chemicals like asbestos, arsenic, coal fumes and beryllium are common in lung cancer cases.
Smoking
We’re all familiar with the dangers of smoking, along with it being the most common cause of lung cancer diagnosis. Sadly, even those who don’t smoke can still develop lung cancer due to passive or second-hand smoking. Cigarette smoke contains toxic substances that cause cancer, which is why more people than ever are turning to vape products.
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Air pollution
Pollution from car exhaust fumes and a lack of consideration for the environment has left many of us exposed to the possibility of lung cancer. Particle pollution in the air we breathe increases your risk of developing lung cancer. If you live in the city or regularly commute in areas with heavy traffic, you could be more at risk than someone who lives in the countryside who has access to cleaner air. If we all do our bit to help the environment, we could reduce the dangerous chemicals in the air we breathe.
Your Genes
If there is a history of lung cancer in your family, then your genes could play a role in the likelihood of you also developing this disease. However, it’s important to remember that you can take positive steps to reduce your chances of developing it. Speak with your doctor if your family has a history of lung cancer.