A risk factor for lung cancer increases the chance that you might develop the disease. We know that things such as cigarette use or exposure to certain toxic chemicals can increase your chances of developing lung cancer and we’re still learning about other lung cancer risk factors through research. For example, our study of risk factors in people under 50 is looking at demographics, medical history, active and passive smoking history, early life exposures, and more to help researchers understand why some younger people develop lung cancer.
It is important to assess your risk for lung cancer. Finding lung cancer early saves lives—and could save yours. If you have any of the following risk factors, it is important to ask your healthcare team about lung cancer screening.
The risk factors for lung cancer
Anyone can get lung cancer. However, there are specific factors that increase the risk of the disease. If any of the following risk factors apply to you, talk to your healthcare team about steps to protect your health.
The most common causes and risk factors for lung cancer
Smoking cigarettes is the most common risk factor for lung cancer. The chemicals within cigarette smoke contain at least 69 known cancer-causing agents. If you currently smoke or have a history of smoking, you are at higher risk for developing lung cancer.
While smoking cigarettes is the biggest risk factor, it is not the only one. If you are a military veteran, for example, you might have been exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other toxic substances. As a veteran, you may qualify under the PACT Act for toxic exposure screening—and possibly additional benefits as well. Please visit the PACT ACT official site for more information.
Tobacco use
- Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products
Environmental and workplace exposures
- Radon
- Asbestos
- Agent Orange
- Diesel fumes
- Arsenic
- Coal products
- Nickel compounds
- Second-hand smoke
Family health history
- Relatives who have been diagnosed with lung cancer
Personal health history
- Chronic lung disease (emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, or COPD)
Types of lung cancer risk factors
Tobacco use
Any history of smoking can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. If you meet pack-year criteria, you may be eligible for annual lung cancer screening.
Environmental risks
Environmental exposure happens when you encounter something in the air, water, food, or soil that may be harmful to your health. Exposure to radon, asbestos, Agent Orange, diesel fumes, arsenic, coal products, nickel compounds, and secondhand smoke are examples of risk factors for lung cancer. Workplace exposure simply means that this happened while you were at work.
Radon is a gas that has no smell, taste, or color and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It occurs naturally in soil and rocks and seeps into the air through groundwater. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), radon gas occurs in very low levels outdoors and is only a risk when breathed in high levels in a closed space such as a building or home. One out of every 15 homes has radon levels that are too high. To learn how to get your home tested, visit the CDC website.
Genetic risks
If you have a family history of lung cancer among blood relatives, including parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins, then you may be at a higher risk for developing lung cancer. Learn about our research on inherited risk. Learn about our research on inherited risk.
Chronic lung disease
Chronic lung disease, including emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, and COPD, are associated with a higher risk for lung cancer.
Talk to your healthcare team if you believe you have any risk factors for lung cancer.
Lung cancer screening guidelines and criteria
Currently, lung cancer screening is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare for a specific high-risk population.
- Between ages 50 and 80, and*
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history or greater, and
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
*Medicare covers ages 50 to 77
Use this simple tool to calculate your pack years
If you believe you are at risk or meet high-risk criteria, talk to your healthcare team about whether lung cancer screening is right for you.
Questions to ask your healthcare team
- What smoking cessation options do you recommend for me?
- Do I meet the lung cancer screening guidelines? If not, what are my other options?
- What can I do to protect my lung health if I have a family history of lung cancer?
- What can I do to protect my lung health if I have COPD (or other lung condition)?
Frequently asked questions
What is a lung cancer risk factor?
Lung cancer risk factors are things that increase your risk of developing the disease.
What are the most common risk factors for lung cancer?
The most common risk for lung cancer is a history of smoking cigarettes. Additional risk factors include environmental and workplace exposures, family history of lung cancer, personal history of cancer and chronic lung disease.
How do I know if I’m being exposed to radon and may have increased lung cancer risk?
The best way to know if you’re being exposed to radon is to test your home, whether it is a house, a condo, or an apartment. You can research this further and learn how to obtain a radon test kit through the CDC.
When should I be concerned about exposure to asbestos?
Working around asbestos or materials that contain it, such as in construction, could put you at a higher risk for lung cancer. In addition, if you live in an older home with materials installed between the 1950’s - 1970’s, you should take precautions before remodeling. To learn more about asbestos exposure visit the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is also recommended to visit the American Lung Association webpage to explore free or discounted radon kits.
How can I reduce my risk of being exposed to secondhand smoke?
You can learn about reducing risk by visiting the CDC Community and Smokefree Home website.