Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. It occurs most commonly between the ages of 45 and 70. In the last few decades, lung cancer has become prevalent in women because more women are smoking cigarettes.
Cancer that originates from lung cells is called a primary lung cancer. About 90% of lung cancers arise due to tobacco use. Other causes include:
- Passive smoking (secondhand smoke)
- Air pollution from motor vehicles, factories, and other sources
- Asbestos exposure
- Lung diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Radon exposure