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What causes lung cancer?

Lung cancer results from damage to lung cells that causes them to replicate uncontrollably. In most cases this damage is caused directly by smoking or by second-hand smoke.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is when cells in the lung replicate uncontrollably and form tumors, which are masses of abnormal cells, inside the lung. The cancer can then sometimes spread to other parts of the body.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Lung cancer is diagnosed by a lung biopsy. A biopsy may be obtained by fine-needle aspiration or during a bronchoscopy.

How is lung cancer treated?

Lung cancer is treated using surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The combination of these techniques will depend on what type of cancer in involved and how far it has progressed.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath, bronchitis, wheezing and coughing, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes and pain radiating to the chest, shoulders and back.

Is lung cancer preventable?

Smoking is the cause of most lung cancers so not smoking, or quitting if you do, is the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer. It is also recommended to take precautions around hazardous material such as asbestos.

Do non-smokers get lung cancer?

Non-smokers account for about one in five (20%) of men with lung cancer cases, and over half of women.

Why aren't there screening tests to detect lung cancer early?

Screening to detect lung cancer early sounds like it makes sense, because treatment outcomes are better the earlier you catch the cancer. But only those at high risk really benefit from screening. The reason is that the …

Are there different types of lung cancer?

The type of lung cancer depends on the cell it starts in. For example, adenocarcinoma starts in the cells that produce mucus, squamous cell carcinoma starts in the cells that line the airways, and carcinoid tumors start in cells that produce …

What increases the chances of developing lung cancer?

By far the greatest increase in risk in developing lung cancer comes from smoking. Exposure to chemicals such as asbestos can also increase your risk.

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1153 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease