Smoking is the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer. The following factors are known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer:
- Smoking tobacco
- Breathing in second-hand smoke
- Exposure to asbestos or radon
- Occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens
- A combination of any of the above risks
If you smoke and you are exposed to another risk factor (e.g. radon, asbestos) you are at much higher risk for lung cancer.
For more information, see Lung Cancer Risk and Screening.
