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.
Freeway to Los Angeles
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
Is COPD a Risk Factor for Lung Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Woman coughing into a tissue
What You Should Know About Smoker's Cough
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Paper house with paper family
Is Lung Cancer Genetic?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Hands pruning marijuana crop.
What You Should Know About Marijuana and Lung Cancer Risks
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
possible causes of a lung mass
Does a Lung Mass Mean You Have Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Hand holding burning cigarette
These Are the Dangers of Sidestream Smoke
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
A boy uses an inhaler for a breathing problem.
Are People with Asthma More Likely to Get Lung Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cigarette butts in an ashtray
10 Tips for Preventing Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Person smoking cigarette, close-up
Is Thirdhand Smoke Dangerous?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Radon Monitoring System in House Basement
Are You at Risk From This Leading Cause of Lung Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Hookah pipes sitting in a row
Cancer Risks of Hookah Smoking and Health Concerns
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
bartender pouring a tequila shot, does alcohol raise lung cancer risk?
How Alcohol Affects Your Risk of Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
hand refusing to take a cigarette, but is nicotine alone harmless?
Does Nicotine Cause Cancer or Make Cancer Spread Faster?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, 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 Lung Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
pack of cigarettes
What Is the Risk of Lung Cancer After Quitting Smoking?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
secondhand smoke from a lit joint
How Does Secondhand Marijuana Affect Health and Drug Testing
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Radon monitoring
The Importance of Radon Testing and Mitigation
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cancer patient in hospice care.
What It Means to Have a Genetic Predisposition to Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Asbestos Removal
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD