November is the National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Many people assume that lung cancer is only for those who have a history of smoking. The truth is that there are many different factors that may cause lung cancer:
Age over 65: Most people are older than 65 years when diagnosed with lung cancer. However, recent studies show that there are number of cases that are seen in people as young as their 20's.
Air pollution: Air pollution may slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk from air pollution is higher for smokers.
Asbestos and other substances: People who have certain jobs(such as those who work in the construction and chemical industries)have an increased risk of lung cancer.
Family history of lung cancer: People with a father, mother, brother, or sister who had lung cancer may be at slightly increased risk of the disease, even if they don not smoke.
Personal history of lung cancer: People who have had lung cancer are at increased risk of developing a second lung tumor.
Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It forms in soil and rocks. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon. In some parts of the country, radon is found in houses. Radon damages lung cells, and people exposed to radon are at increased risk of lung cancer.
Tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke causes most cases of lung cancer. It's by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer and exposure to any of the other risk factors only heightens the chances of developing lung cancer..
While each journey is unique,we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
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