What are the causes and risk factors for lung cancer ?
The main risk factor for lung cancer is smoking.
More than 80% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers or former smokers. It increases the risk of lung cancer by 10 to 15 times compared to a non-smoker (source: Centre Léon Bérard).
The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the amount of tobacco consumed: Smoking 1 pack a day increases the risk by 20 times, and smoking 2 packs increases it by 30 times (source: InfoCancer Arcagy).
Moreover, the duration of tobacco consumption increases the risk of lung cancer.
💡DID YOU KNOW ?
Tobacco smoke contains 4000 compounds.
Among these, nicotine creates the smoker's need and dependence on tobacco. It contains many carcinogenic substances such as nitrosamines, dioxins, and acrolein.
Quitting smoking, regardless of when it occurs, even in patients who have smoked for more than 30 years, will have a positive impact and decrease the risk of lung cancer.
Everything you need to know about tobacco and cancer
Several environmental factors increase the risk of lung cancer.
This is the case with passive smoking, which is the inhalation of other people's smoke. In a non-smoker continuously exposed to this secondhand smoke, the risk of cancer is increased by 26% (Fondation ARC, 2018).
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind tobacco and ahead of asbestos (source: cancer-environment.fr).
💡DID YOU KNOW ?
Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas naturally found in granitic and volcanic rocks of ancient massifs (Brittany, Vosges, central France, Pyrenees, Rhône-Alpes, Corsica).
In France, it is the main source of exposure to ionizing radiation. Radon is not a source of danger in the open air where its concentration is minimal. It becomes dangerous when it accumulates in confined spaces such as underground mines and homes where it infiltrates (source: cancer-environnement.fr).
Air pollution is also responsible for lung cancers, estimated to account for approximately 4% of new cases diagnosed (source: cancer-environnement.fr).
Occupational exposure to various factors is also a risk factor for lung cancer. The primary among them is asbestos: in men over 55 years old, approximately 12% of lung cancers are attributed to asbestos.
It is the most common occupational exposure associated with bronchial cancer (source: cancer-environnement.fr).
Among other factors, there are, for example, crystalline silica (glassmaking, crystalware, foundry...), diesel engine exhaust fumes, or occupational exposure to paint.
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Article updated on 14 oct. 2024
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