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
- Smoking cigarettes increases risk 20 times
- Radon, a radioactive gas found in soil
- Asbestos, a toxic chemical
- Environmental tobacco exposure
- Genetics in a first-degree relative
- Other lung diseases
- 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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