What you should know about Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease which affects the human lungs. It often results from some abnormalities in the cells of the human body. When disruptions occur in the normal process of cell division, abnormal cell growth occurs, and often this abnormal growth may develop into tumors.

There are two types of tumors, malignant tumors and benign tumors. Malignant tumors are the type of tumors which causes cancer, because they have the potential to multiply and grow further inside the body thereby spreading to other parts of the body through transmission via the blood stream. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and hence could be removed from the body.

What are the causes of Lung Cancer

Smoking

Cigarette smoking causes over 90% of lung cancer cases resulting from smoking cases. Increased level of smoking also facilitates the development of lung cancer. Studies and published reports illustrates that among those who smoke about 2 packs of cigarette per day, one out of seven would die of lung cancer. Non smokers who inhale cigarette smoke are also at risk of developing lung cancer. Passive smoking which refers to inhalation of second hand smoke causes an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States every year, so it must be noted that non smokers living with smokers are also in danger of contracting lung cancer.

Asbestos

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death in both men and women. According to the data provided by the American Cancer Society in the year 2008, 215,020 new cases of lung cancer was diagnosed, and in the same year, 161,840 people died from complications of lung cancer disease. Other data illustrate that one person out of 14 people living in the United States would be diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer affects mostly older persons, majority of the diagnosed cases of lung cancer in the United States occurred in persons over the age of 65.

Although Asbestos is a natural substance mined from the earth, it also causes lung cancer as well. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) fibrous minerals such as amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite tremolite,actinolite and anthophyllite, contained in asbestos are harzardous compounds. This disease is often contracted through breathing in asbestos dust or particles mostly resulting from use of asbestos in building materials, such as ceiling and insulation and other products. Asbestos particles inhaled inside the human lungs can cause lung cancer. The particles may remain dormant in the body for decades, but can cause various kinds of human health problems such as mesothelioma cancer. The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) has banned asbestos use in the United States due to its health hazards.

Lung Cancer Survivors

Individuals who have had lung cancer previously, are at a high risk of developing it again. Their risk of developing lung cancer is greater than that of the general population.

Radon gas

Radon gas which results from uranium decay can cause lung cancer. When uranium decays, it forms other compounds and gases such as radon gas. Radon further emits ionizing radiation Radon is a known lung cancer agent. In the United States, every year, about 15,000-22,000 lung cancer cases are caused by radon gas and its agents.

Air Pollution

Air pollution resulting from industrial activity and vehicle emissions can cause lung cancer as well. Up to 1percent of the lung cancer cases in the United States is caused by industrial air pollution.

Lung Diseases

Some lung diseases can cause lung cancer as well. For instance Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease often referred to as (COPD) can cause lung cancer.