Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Risk Factors

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Highlights	Diagnostic Tests	Investigative Agents
Introduction	Staging Systems	Resources
Causes	Treatment Options by Stages	References
Symptoms	Surgical Procedures	References
Risk Factors	Radiation Treatments
Lifestyle Changes	Chemotherapy Treatments

Socioeconomic Differences

Low income and a lack of education have been linked to an increased risk for lung cancer. Researchers say socioeconomic status is connected to other factors involved in lung cancer risk, such as smoking, diet, and exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in the workplace.

Environmental Factors

People with High Exposure to Radon. Studies have shown that radon raises the risk of lung cancer in underground miners by 40%. It is unclear whether the results of these studies would apply to people exposed to radon in their homes. Homes or buildings built on landfills that contain high levels of radon are the most likely sources of this low level, chronic exposure.

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A cumulative long-term exposure to radon and smoking also increases the danger. Most people move an average of 10 or 11 times over their lifetime, so the risk of developing lung cancer through radon exposure is very low in most individuals, even for those who lived for a while in areas with high radon levels. People with homes that have high radon levels and those who sleep or spend a long time in basements with detectable but moderate levels should consider taking protective measures.

Workers Highly Exposed to Carcinogens. An estimated 9,000 - 10,000 men and 900 - 1,900 women develop lung cancer each year because of occupational exposure to carcinogens. More than half of these cases are attributable to past exposure to asbestos, which has long been known to be a risk factor for mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura, the lining around the lung) and can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. With better protective measures, these rates are expected to fall in the future.

Other chemicals that put workers at risk for lung cancer include:

Arsenic (insecticide and herbicide sprayers, tanners, oil refinery workers)
Chloromethyl methyl ether (workers exposed to certain polymers, water repellents, or products using chloride and formaldehyde)
Chromium compounds (workers using certain alloys, paints, pigments, and preservatives)
Depleted uranium (soldiers exposed to weapons during battlefield conditions)
Crystalline silica