How do you get lung cancer? if you don't smoke? myparents smoked, but i always hated the way the stuff smelled. when i got older, i made them go outside to smoke, and i haven't been around smokers in years. sohow could i have lung cancer?

While : While smoking is the major modifiable risk factor leading to lung cancer, not all lung cancer is related to smoking. Other risk factors include second hand smoke, asbestos, and organic solvents. There are potential dietary (vitamin a, vitamin e, beta carotene) and genetic risk factors (?Cystic fibrosis), as well as the presence of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis that could predispose to the development of lung cancer. Second hand smoke could be relevant here. I would recommend further testing.

I : I agree with dr. Leeman's answer entirely. Clearly, the most common cause of lung cancer is due to cigarette smoking. As an added piece of information, exposure to radon gas, usually by way of poorly vented basements, is one of the more likely causes of lung cancer when smoking is not a factor. You live in cook county, illinois and in general, it is listed as a county with moderate potential for levels of radon (in the range of 2-4 pci/l). You may want to have your home assessed for radon levels and if they are elevated have a reputable radon mitigation company discuss options for your home - usually a simple venting system is all that is needed.

Yes: I would have to agree with drs cassivi and leeman. You can also learn more at the following link: http://www.Cancer.Net/cancer-types/lung-cancer.