Cancer starts in the lungs and is more commonly found in smokers. Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are the two most common kinds of lung cancer. Lung cancer is caused by smoking, secondhand smoke, exposure to specific chemicals, and a family history of the disease. Coughing (frequently with blood), chest pain, wheezing, and weight loss are all symptoms. These symptoms don’t usually present until cancer has progressed.

Lung cancer can affect anyone, however, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in 90% of cases. When you breathe smoke into your lungs, it begins to harm the tissue in your lungs. Although the lungs can repair the damage, repeated exposure to smoke makes it more difficult for the lungs to do so.

When cells are injured, they begin to behave abnormally, which increases the risk of lung cancer. Heavy smoking is almost always linked to small-cell lung cancer. Stopping smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer over time. According to the American Lung Association, radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second leading cause. Radon enters structures through minor foundation fissures. Lung cancer is highly common in smokers who are also exposed to radon.

Lung cancer can also be caused by inhaling other dangerous substances, especially over a long period of time. Exposure to asbestos almost always causes mesothelioma, a kind of lung cancer. It can also be caused by Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and various petroleum compounds. It may be increased by inherited genetic alterations, especially if you smoke or are exposed to other toxins.