asbestos have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. If they also smoke, the risk is greatly increased. The type of lung cancer linked to asbestos, mesothelioma, often starts in the pleura. This type of cancer is covered in a separate American Cancer Society document. Although asbestos was used for many years, the government has now nearly stopped its use in the workplace and in home products. Besides smoking and asbestos, there are a few other risk factors for lung cancer. These include certain cancer-causing agents in the workplace, radon gas, and lung scarring from some types of pneumonia. Also, people who have had lung cancer in the past have a higher chance of having it again and, as mentioned earlier, the risk of lung cancer increases with age. Some studies have shown that the lung cells of women who smoke may develop cancer more easily than those of men. Clearly, the best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke or be around those who do. Young people should not start smoking, and those who already smoke should quit. Everyone, especially babies and children, should be protected from breathing in other people's smoke. While some people believe that air pollution is a major cause of lung cancer, the truth is that air pollution only slightly increases the risk. Smoking is by far the more important cause. Even so, some people who have never smoked or worked with asbestos still get lung cancer. Since we do not know why this happens, there is no sure way to prevent it. Since most people with early lung cancer do not have any symptoms, only about 15% of lung cancers are found in the early stages. Although most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until they have spread, you should report any of the following symptoms to your doctor right away. Often these problems are caused by some other condition, but if lung cancer is found, prompt treatment could extend your life and relieve symptoms. A cough that does not go away Chest pain, often m...
