Individuals newly diagnosed with lung cancer may view their prognosis one of two ways. Despite feelings of anger or fear, many who are diagnosed with cancer of the lungs accept some level of responsibility for developing this illness. These individuals likely smoked, or currently smoke tobacco products. On the other hand, millions of individual who are diagnosed with lung cancer are left in complete shock. This group would consist of non-smokers – including those not exposed to second hand smoke. Lung cancer does not only affect smokers. For decades, cancer awareness information has warned the public of the risk associated with second hand smoke. Still, many considered themselves safe, and the odds of developing second hand cancer were slim. Unfortunately, the number of non-smokers developing lung cancer has dramatically increased in recent years.

What is Lung Cancer?

A person develops cancer when healthy cell begin to divide abnormally. These abnormal cells are cancerous, and they form tumors throughout the body. When cancerous cells are detected in the lungs, a person is diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer causes a number of deaths among women and men each year. Cancerous cells develop and grow rapidly, thus it is imperative for victims to seek immediate treatment. If treatment is delayed, the cancer may spread to healthy tissues and organs, which makes the illness difficult to cure.

Causes of Lung Cancer

The obvious cause of lung cancer is smoking. In fact, 90% of all individuals diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers, or individuals who smoked in the past. Tobacco products contain a deadly substance called carcinogens. As a smoker inhales smoke, this substance is released into their lungs and gradually damages the cells located in the lungs. Lungs cells that endure long-term exposure to carcinogens are four times likely to become cancerous. Additionally, individuals who work in industries that have exposed them to toxic materials have a high risk of developing lung cancer.