Lung Cancer Causes

As lung cancer is in the news this week with the much-too-young-to-die Dana Reeves, it's timely to discuss causes of lung cancer. Smoking leads the pack attributing to 87% of lung cancer deaths.


Another 12% is attributed to radon gas, present in many homes and buildings, according to the American Lung Association. Asbestos contamination is yet another contributor, and genes play a part as well.


Lung cancer claims 160,000 lives per anum, and while mortality from the disease has tapered off for men, for women, it's risen.


It seems that lung cancer isn't just a health issue, it's also a political issue. This stems from litigation that began approximately 25 years ago regarding lung cancer deaths attributed to smoking.



Many health professionals will tell you that they've treated lung cancer patients that never smoked, and were not often in the presence of smokers.


My take on this issue is that when you get down to brass tacks, it doesn't really matter what causes the disease, the human with the disease needs and deserves treatment.