Being diagnosed with any form of cancer is a terrifying thought, with lung cancer being the most common and most fatal type of cancer in the US today. However, thanks to the constant evolution of medical science and a further understanding of the disease, more people than ever before are surviving this condition and exceeding life expectancy predictions.
Lung cancer develops when the cells in the lungs begin to mutate and grow too quickly. The immune system tries its best to fight and kill off these mutated cells, however, the ones that aren’t destroyed can then develop into a tumour.
Ongoing scientific and medical research means that we’re able to understand more about lung cancer and how it can develop. Of course, every patient and every situation are different – wondering who should be screened for lung cancer? Click the link. However, in many cases, certain factors can contribute to the likelihood of you developing the disease.
Here we’ll explore the factors that may put you at risk of lung cancer.
Workplace exposure
Those who work with toxic chemicals such as radon gas, asbestos, soot, tar and arsenic are increasing their risk of developing lung cancer. Those who work in mining or the construction industries have a higher risk of developing the disease than someone who works in a restaurant for example. Exposure to these kinds of pollutants for extended periods can be deadly.
Using tobacco
We all understand the risks of smoking tobacco. Unfortunately, due to its addictive qualities, it’s incredibly difficult to give up. Those who have been smoking from a young age and well into adulthood are at higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who don’t smoke. Chemicals in the smoke from your cigarettes include cyanide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, lead, arsenic and even formaldehyde and all of these chemicals are known to cause cancer. The best way to reduce your chances of developing lung cancer is to stop smoking!
Second-hand smoke
It hardly seems fair, but if you’re constantly exposed to the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, without smoking yourself, then you’re still at risk of lung cancer. Whether it’s your partner who smokes, or you spend time with friends who do, constant exposure to these chemicals over an extended period can really damage your health.
You have a family history
It’s not yet clear if certain cancers are hereditary due to a shared gene or due to shared environmental factors. However, if someone else in your family has had lung cancer before, then your chances of developing it are seemingly increased.
You’ve had lung cancer before
Sadly, if you’ve already battled lung cancer and beat it, or you’ve had cancer treatments in the past, then you may be at higher risk of developing lung cancer again.
Final thoughts…
If you’re concerned about your health, then reach out to your doctor. If you believe that your health has been impacted due to harsh chemical exposure in the workplace, then reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.