In addition to cigarette smoke, a variety of environmental factors causes lung cancer including known carcinogen asbestos.

What is Lung Cancer?

As the name implies, lung cancer is the formation of cancerous cells in the lungs. Lung cancer is reportedly the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, killing more people each year than colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer combined.

There are two types of lung cancer – small cell and non-small cell. These types are usually distinguished based on the appearance of the cancer cells. Small cell lung cancer is much less common and occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers. Non-small cell lung cancer includes several other types of lung cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Based on the type of lung cancer, a doctor makes treatment decisions that best suit a patient’s situation.

Symptoms of lung cancer usually do not appear in the early stages of the disease. By the time symptoms appear, lung cancer may already be in its advanced stages. Advanced lung cancer may be characterized by the following symptoms:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bone pain
• Headache

In addition to being a serious disease with the risk of death, lung cancer can result in further complications. Patients with lung cancer may deal with serious pain and lung problems which need to be controlled by medication and other treatments. Lung cancer may also cause fluid to accumulate in the chest cavity, causing a condition known as pleural effusion. Lung cancer can also result in metastasis, aka the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. This can make the cancer much more difficult to treat.

What Causes Lung Cancer Besides Smoking?

Smoking cigarettes and secondhand smoke are the most common causes of lung cancer and is frequently warned about by medical professionals. However, there are several other causes of lung cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are several substances that can cause cancer. Some of these substances are relatively rare but others are more common. The following substances are reportedly some of the most likely carcinogens that people can come into contact with:

• Arsenic
• Asbestos
• Cadmium
• Coal tar
• Nickel
• Radon

Of these carcinogens, exposure to asbestos and radon are most commonly associated with the development of lung cancer because they can be breathed in.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which was formerly used in construction and industrial products due to its natural resistance to heat, electricity, and chemicals. Unfortunately, asbestos containing products can release small microscopic fibers when disturbed which can then be inhaled.

Over time, these fibers can reportedly cause inflammation of the lungs. This commonly leads to a condition called asbestosis which involves the inflammation and eventual scarring of lung tissues. It is thought that asbestos causes lung cancer through a similar mechanism.

According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of lung cancer is the highest in workers who smoke and who were exposed to asbestos. These two factors together reportedly result in a higher risk than either exposure separately.