December 2, 2008

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Small-Cell Lung Cancer (cont.)

Small-Cell Lung Cancer Causes

  • The predominant cause of both small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer is tobacco smoking. However, small-cell lung cancer is more strongly linked to smoking than non-small-cell lung cancer.


  • Even secondhand tobacco smoke is a risk factor for lung cancer.


  • All types of lung cancers occur with increased frequency in people who mine uranium, but small-cell lung cancer is most common. The prevalence is increased further in persons who smoke.


  • Exposure to radon (an inert gas that develops from the decay of uranium) has been reported to cause small-cell lung cancer.


  • Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer by 9 times. A combination of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking increases the risk by as much as 50 times.



Next: Small-Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms »

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