Risk Factors

There are many different causes of lung cancer. Learn about all the risk factors and how you can protect your lungs.

Possible causes of lung cancer

Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer and there are various factors that can cause your cells to mutate and change. More often than not, the mutation of cells is triggered by breathing in dangerous toxins, so it is important to know how to protect yourself and keep your lungs healthy.

Smoking

The number one cause of lung cancer which causes about 90% of cases. Former smokers, although a decreased risk, can still get lung cancer as well as nonsmokers who have been exposed to secondhand smoke.

Radon

The second-leading cause of lung cancer. This odorless and colorless gas naturally exists in soil and can enter buildings through small gaps.

Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals can be threatening to your lungs such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, and others. Make sure you are not being exposed or breathing in those harmful substances.

Pollution

Particle pollution can be a cause of lung cancer. These tiny solid and liquid particles are in the air we breathe and can cause harm to our lungs.

Genetics

Genes can also factor into someone's chances of developing lung cancer. If there is a family history of lung cancer, you may have a higher risk of getting the disease.

We encourage you to see your doctor if you think/know you are at risk for lung cancer. For more information about lung cancer, please visit the American Lung Association or the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer, just like any other cancer, occurs when cells change or mutate. Usually, lung cancer is caused by being exposed to dangerous chemicals that are inhaled into our bodies, but it can also occur in people who have had no exposure to toxins. The cancer cells grow and cluster together forming a tumor which attacks and destroys lung tissue. Normally, those dealing with lung cancer do not have symptoms until cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, making lung cancer difficult to treat.

Why the Angela Marotta Inho Foundation

As a small non-profit organization and a family that has personally been affected by lung cancer, it is our goal to advance research and care for all those impacted by this disease.

We are supporting lung cancer research by donating all proceeds directly to lung oncologist Mark Awad's research fund.

We are working to reduce the stigma associated with lung cancer by raising awareness that anyone can be affected- smokers & nonsmokers.

We are building a strong community for lung cancer patients and their families.

Our Story

Angela Marotta Inho was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in December of 2017. As a non-smoker and focused on her health and wellness, this news came as a shock to her and her family. During her 3-year battle, she consistently showed strength, courage, a positive attitude and was an inspiration to everyone she came across. We will strive to honor her legacy of raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding lung cancer.

Read Our Full Story

Sources

1."Lung Cancer Causes & Risk Factors." American Lung Association, 17 Nov. 2022, www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/basics/what-causes-lung-cancer.