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Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Lung Cancer infographics


This information has been reviewed and approved by James R. Jett, MD (October 2012).

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Summary: Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer

 

The Odds

  • Men have a 1 in 13 chance of getting lung cancer
  • Lung cancer affects 1 in 16 women
  • These statistics include both smokers and nonsmokers

 

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

  1. Smoking cigarettes increases risk 20 times
  2. Radon, a radioactive gas found in soil
  3. Asbestos, a toxic chemical
  4. Environmental tobacco exposure
  5. Genetics in a first-degree relative
  6. Other lung diseases
  7. Prior radiation in the chest area

 

New Lung Cancer Cases Each Year

226,160 - greater than the population of Scottsdale, AZ

 

Lung Cancer Deaths Each Year

160,340 - greater than the population of Ft. Lauderdale, FL

(data is estimated for the U.S. in 2012)

 

More Information on Lung Cancer

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