How many smokers get lung cancer

This video explains what radon is, how it can enter your home and cause lung cancer, and how to fix a radon problem if needed. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms in rocks, soil, and water. It cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. When radon gets into homes or buildings through cracks or holes, it can get trapped and build up in the air inside. People who live or work in these homes and buildings breathe in high radon levels.

Over long periods of time, radon can cause lung cancer. The U. Environmental Protection Agency EPA external icon estimates that radon causes about 21, lung cancer deaths each year. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States has high radon levels.

Learn how to test your home for radon and reduce the radon level if it is high. Examples of substances found at some workplaces that increase risk include asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and some forms of silica and chromium. Exposure to certain chemicals and substances which are used in several occupations and industries may increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

These chemicals and substances include:. Find out more about asbestosis and silicosis. Research also suggests that being exposed to diesel fumes over many years increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Page last reviewed: 15 August Next review due: 15 August Smoking Smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer. These products include: cigars pipe tobacco snuff a powdered form of tobacco chewing tobacco Smoking cannabis has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

The IARC study, which looked at around people with lung cancer, found a link to low levels of vitamin B6 and an amino acid called methionine, found in protein like meat, fish and nuts. B6 is also found in meat, nuts, vegetables and bananas. Brennan said the change in risk of lung cancer linked to B6 and methionine levels was the same for all three groups, although of course the overall risk of getting the disease was much higher in the smokers to start with.

There are numerous smoking cessation aids that can increase your chances of success, including nicotine replacement tools and medications like Chantix varenicline.

Many of these aids are listed as Essential Health Benefits EHBs under the Affordable Care Act and are provided free of charge by your insurer or health provider, even for multiple quit attempts. Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones.

Sign up and get your guide! Cancer stat facts: Lung and bronchus cancer. Updated National Institute on Drug Abuse. What are the physical health consequences of tobacco use? January September 22, Estimating lifetime and year risk of lung cancer. Prev Med Rep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What are the risk factors for lung cancer? Updated September 22, Lifetime smoking history and risk of lung cancer: Results from the Framingham Heart Study. J Natl Cancer Inst. Health effects of cigarette smoking. Updated January 10, National Cancer Institute. Harms of cigarette smoking and health benefits of quitting.

Updated December 19, Smoking and Cancer. Updated February 19, Zappa C, Mousa SA. Non-small cell lung cancer: current treatment and future advances.