Smoking:

Smoking is a major detriment to personal health, particularly in the case of cigarettes. Individuals who smoke cigarettes regularly increase their risk of developing lung cancer by up to 25 times the risk of a non-smoker. While pipe and cigar smoking is not as risky a cigarettes, it still increases the chances of developing lung cancer by five times the chances of a non-smoker.

The tobacco is one of the main causes, though other ingredients in cigarettes also increase the risk of lung cancer development. Tobacco contains carcinogenic chemicals like nitrosamines that harm the cells in the lungs.

Secondhand Smoke:

Like smoking cigarettes, secondhand smoke is another potential cause of lung cancer. The smoke from cigarettes contains the same carcinogenic products that harm the lungs, though in smaller amounts. In general, living around smokers increases the risk of developing long cancer by 24 percent when compared to those who are non-smokers and do not live with a smoker.

Asbestos:

The exposure to asbestos is another potential cause of lung cancer. While asbestos is more commonly associated with mesothelioma, many individuals who were exposed to asbestos also develop lung cancer, particularly if they also smoked cigarettes. The fibers persist in the chest and body for a lifetime upon asbestos exposure, so the risk of developing cancer is high.

Radon Gas:

Radon gas is an odorless and tasteless natural gas that is formed when uranium decays. This gas comes up through gaps in building foundations and infects a home. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is found in one out of 15 homes in the United States. While a simple test can detect dangerous levels of radon, many families do not know that they are exposed to the gas. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Genetics:

While lung cancer is primarily associated with lifestyle, some families have a higher genetic predisposition than others to develop the cancer. 

Other Lung Diseases:

For individuals who develop other lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased.

Radiation:

Radiation exposure, particularly for those who deal with radiation like x-rays often, is another factor that might increase the risk of developing lung cancer. 

Pollution:

Pollution in the air is another potential cause of lung cancer. In general, about one percent of lung cancer cases is attributed to breathing highly polluted air.

Diagnosis

Lung cancer diagnosis starts with symptoms. For example, someone who develops shortness of breath, constant coughing, chronic bronchitis, starts coughing blood, has swollen lymph nodes or who develops respiratory problems will often have further cancer screening. Patients should seek out medical attention when they have pain, blood from coughing or any other symptoms associated with lung cancer. During screening, doctors look for tumors in the lungs, carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and any other oddities in the area of the lungs.

Treatment

Once lung cancer is diagnosed, treatment begins. Depending on the case, patients might go through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery to remove the cancerous cells.