What Causes Lung Cancer?

Genetics And Family History

An individual with specific genetics and family history may develop lung cancer as a result of their hereditary predisposition to the disease. Genetic factors are responsible for around eight percent of all cases of lung cancer, even in individuals who have never smoked before. Someone is twice as likely to develop lung cancer if they have a first-degree blood family member with lung cancer. An individual's lung cancer risk increases by about a third if they have a second-degree blood relative who has also had lung cancer. Certain mutations that can be passed down from an individual's parents can cause problems with their production of important proteins in the body that work to quickly and effectively repair cellular DNA damage. The genes that carry this mutation are referred to as tumor suppressor genes, and mutations allow a more favorable condition for cancerous cell growth in the body. Genetics and family history almost always combine with other risk factors to cause lung cancer to develop. CT screening may be recommended at regular intervals for patients who have an increased risk of developing lung cancer because of their family history.

Get more information on the causes and risk factors for lung cancer now.