Contents:
- Medical Video: Smoking Causes Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema
- Causes of lung cancer
- Other risk factors that contribute to lung cancer
Medical Video: Smoking Causes Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting millions of people worldwide every year. Until now, the main cause of the emergence of cancer is still uncertain. But experts have found various possible causes and risk factors that contribute to the diagnosis of cancer.
Causes of lung cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking habits. Based on research, cigarettes contain poisons that trigger DNA mutations. Basically, the body continues to renew itself by dividing, replicating and forming new cells. When exposed to large amounts of toxins, the body becomes damaged and cannot repair itself. Over time, cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. This condition triggers the development of cancer.
Tobacco and cigarette smoke contain more than 7,000 cancerous chemicals, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. People who don't smoke can also still be at risk of getting cancer by becoming passive smokers.
Smoking is not the only source of toxins that can endanger lung health and cause cancer. Inhaling harmful substances, cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) such as asbestos and radon, also damage the cells that line your lungs. Over time, cells will grow abnormally and eventually the cancer develops. Some other dangerous chemicals that can be found in the work environment are:
- Radon
- Asbestos
- Arsenic
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Vinyl chloride
- Nickel compound
- Chromium compound
- Coal products
- Mustard gas
- Chloromethyl Ether
- Diesel waste.
The chemicals above can be mixed with the air you breathe. Because it is odorless and tasteless, these chemicals are difficult to detect. In addition to the work environment, these chemicals can also be found in the home.
Other risk factors that contribute to lung cancer
Some other risk factors that you need to know are:
- Family history. Family members with lung cancer are likely to contribute to lung cancer that you have.
- Age. Lung cancer usually attacks older adults. You are at higher risk when you are 65 years or older. The average age of lung cancer patients is around 70 years.
- Pulmonary disease history. You are at risk of lung cancer if you have had chronic lung disease, such as tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This lung disease causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs which can trigger lung cancer.
- Radiation therapy to the chest. Radiation therapy that has been done to treat other types of cancer can trigger lung cancer, especially if you are an active smoker.
- Cigarette smoke. Not many people are aware of the risk of developing lung cancer by being around active smokers. You breathe cancer-causing chemicals from cigarette smoke.
- Dietary habit. Proper nutrition is needed to repair damaged cells. Therefore, lack of nutrition can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
It is important to know the factors that cause damage to the lungs. By managing risk factors, you can slow the progression of lung cancer. Moreover, supported by efforts to stop smoking. Only by quitting smoking have you made a big difference.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
