The main culprit in the development of lung cancer is the use of cigarettes, since about 90% of all cases of this type of cancer happens in smokers, and the risk increases according to the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years if you are a smoker.
However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked, especially those who are in frequent contact with cigarette smoke or other chemicals such as radon, arsenic, or beryllium, for example, although this risk is much lower than that of who smokes
Lung cancer is dangerous because it has a high mortality rate, so it is important to invest in ways to prevent it, such as avoiding smoking and adopting healthy lifestyles.It is also important to seek medical evaluation if symptoms appear that indicate this disease, such as shortness of breath, chronic cough and weight loss, for example. Learn to identify the symptoms of lung cancer.
Main risk factors
Risk factors that can lead to lung cancer include:
- Smoke;
- Inhaling other people's cigarette smoke, thus being a passive smoker;
- Exposure to radon gas and other hazardous chemicals such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, hydrocarbons, silica, mustard gas and nickel;
- Living in regions with a lot of environmental pollution;
- Have a genetic predisposition, and people with a history of parents or grandparents who have had lung cancer may be at increased risk ..
In addition, having been treated for other types of cancer can also increase the risk, such as in cases of breast cancer, lymphoma or cancer in the testicles treated with radiotherapy, for example.
People with these risk factors should make regular consultations with the general practitioner or pulmonologist as a way to make lung health assessments and screen for any changes that may be suggestive, such as a lump.
Why Cigarette Smoking Can Cause Cancer
Cigarette smoke is made up of various carcinogenic substances that fill the lungs during smoking, such as tar and benzene, which cause lesions in the cells lining the inside of the organ.
When these lesions happen from time to time, the lungs may be able to repair themselves, but when they happen constantly, as in the case of smokers, the cells can not repair quickly, causing the cells to multiply wrongly and, consequently, cancer.
In addition, smoking is associated with the emergence of several other health problems, such as emphysema, infarction, and memory disorders. Check out 10 diseases caused by smoking.
Is there some kind of more dangerous cigarette?
All types of cigarettes increase the chances of getting cancer, not only from the lung, but also from other mouth, throat, breast and stomach sites. This is true of both traditional tobacco and other versions such as light cigarettes, pipes, cigar, straw or narghile, as well as chewing tobacco, for example.
How to protect yourself from lung cancer
The best way to protect yourself against lung cancer is to avoid all carcinogenic substances and therefore the main recommendation is to avoid smoking cigarettes or to breathe your smoke.
However, regular exercise and a healthy and varied diet, avoiding fried foods, excessive alcoholic beverages and foods rich in sugar also help decrease the chances of having any type of cancer. See what are the main attitudes to live more and better, avoiding cancer.
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