Risk factors

There are many different factors – and often a combination of these – why someone is at risk of developing lung cancer. Although smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, up to a quarter of cases occur in people who have never smoked.

The most common risk factors are:

• Smoking
• Passive smoking
• Exposure to asbestos, radon gas and other chemicals during work
• Genetic predisposition
• Diesel fumes
• Poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of lung cancer