About lung cancer

What should people know about cancer of the lung and bronchus?

The lungs are the organs we use to breathe. The bronchus is one of the two tubes that lead from the windpipe (trachea) to the lung.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among New Yorkers. In New York it is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Each year over 6,800 men and over 6,600 women are diagnosed with lung cancer and about 4,800 men and over 4,300 women die from this disease. In New York State, lung cancer death rates among men and women have been declining since 1995, but the decline among women has been slower.

Who gets lung cancer?

More men than women still get lung cancer because more men than women are current or former smokers. As women started smoking in numbers similar to men, more women began to get lung cancer.

In men, lung cancer rates are higher among White and Black men, compared to men who are Asian, Pacific Islander or Hispanic. Non-Hispanic White women have higher lung cancer rates than other racial or ethnic groups. Again, this reflects the smoking patterns of these groups.

What factors increase risk for developing lung cancer?

At this time, all of the causes of lung cancer are not well understood. However, scientists agree that certain factors increase a person's risk of developing this disease. These risk factors include:

• Smoking. Smoking is the most important cause of lung cancer and one that a person can control. Research studies show that exposure to other people's cigarettes (second-hand smoke) also increases a person's risk of getting lung cancer. Scientists believe that smoking is responsible for about 85% of lung cancers.
• Radon gas. Exposure to radon gas has been estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher in people who smoke.
• Asbestos in the workplace. People exposed to high levels of asbestos on the job, such as shipbuilders and pipefitters, have an increased risk of lung cancer. This risk is increased even more in workers who smoke.
• Ionizing Radiation. Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as radiation treatments for other cancers, increases risk for getting lung cancer.
• Personal history. People who have had lung cancer are at increased risk of developing lung cancer again.
• Family history. People with a close relative who had lung cancer may have an increased risk for the disease, even if they do not smoke.
• Other lung diseases. People with a history of certain other diseases of the lung, such as tuberculosis (TB), are at increased risk of developing lung cancer.
• Other workplace exposures. Other chemicals or substances that may be found at high levels in certain workplaces have been identified as risk factors for lung cancer. These include arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, vinyl chloride, nickel compounds, chromium compounds, coal products, tars and soot, chloromethyl ethers and diesel exhaust.

What other risk factors for lung cancer are scientists studying?

Some studies have shown that living in an area with urban air pollution may increase lung cancer risk slightly, but much less than smoking. Studies also suggest that eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables might increase the risk of lung cancer among people who smoke. Additional research is needed to determine the role, if any, these factors may have in the development of lung cancer.

How else can I reduce my risk of cancer?

• Choose a healthy diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and eat less red and processed (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, hot dogs) meats. These actions may reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer as well as other diseases.
• Exercise regularly.
• Talk with your health care provider about recommended cancer screenings.