Lung with a tumor on it

Lung Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Smoking and secondhand smoke aren't the only causes of lung cancer. Learn how heredity, radon, asbestos exposure, and other factors can impact your risk.
Visible air pollution on a busy street in New York City
Environmental Causes of Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Smoke visible on chest X-ray
Smoking and Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Senior woman smoking
Pack Years of Smoking and Lung Cancer Risk
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor listening to patients lungs
COPD and Lung Cancer Risk, Recognition, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Woman coughing into a tissue
An Overview of Smoker's Cough
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Paper house with paper family
Familial Lung Cancer: The Role of Genetics
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Hands pruning marijuana crop.
Does Smoking Marijuana Cause Lung Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
possible causes of a lung mass
Possible Causes of a Lung Mass
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Hand holding burning cigarette
Definition and Effects of Sidestream Smoke
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
A boy uses an inhaler for a breathing problem.
Asthma as a Possible Cause of Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cigarette butts in an ashtray
10 Tips for Lung Cancer Prevention
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Person smoking cigarette, close-up
Thirdhand Smoke: Exposure, Risks, and Dangers
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Radon Monitoring System in House Basement
Overview of Radon and Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Hookah pipes sitting in a row
Hookah Smoking: Cancer Risk and Health Concerns
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
bartender pouring a tequila shot, does alcohol raise lung cancer risk?
How Alcohol Affects Lung Cancer Risk and Outcomes
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
hand refusing to take a cigarette, but is nicotine alone harmless?
Nicotine and Cancer: Causation, Growth, and Treatment
By Lynne Eldridge, MD
beautiful kitchen with lights off in new luxury home with island, pendant lights, and glass fronted cabinets, and view of dining room
Can Granite Countertops Cause Cancer
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
pack of cigarettes
Risk of Lung Cancer in Former Smokers
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
secondhand smoke from a lit joint
Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Exposure: Risks and Drug Testing
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Radon monitoring
Learn About Radon Testing
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cancer patient in hospice care.
Genetic Predisposition to Cancer: Definition, Meaning, and Examples
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Asbestos Removal
Risks From Asbestos Exposure and Safety Measures
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD