A member asked:

I am 16 years old and i smoked for about 2 years on and off, mostly a social smoker (have stopped) can i get lung cancer

10 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

Yes, but...: I am very glad you stopped. If you smoked more than 100 total, you have increased your risk slightly above baseline. There's nothing more you can do about this, and your risk is still very low.

Answered 8/10/2017

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Yes: Smoking starts the cascade of molecular changes that can cause the lung cells to mutate and become cancer. There are carcinogens in the tobacco smoke. We all hear of patients who had minimal smoking or were exposed only to 2nd hand smoke who have subsequently developed lung cancer. However, what has clearly been shown is that length of exposure correlates to increased risk. Best to stop smoking.

Answered 8/19/2015

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Dr. Herbert Hoover answered

Specializes in - Select Specialities -

Yes you can but stop: Smoking socially for 2 years has likely increased your risk of getting lung cancer slightly but the most important thing is to stop forever now and your risk will decrease to little above normal.

Answered 4/2/2016

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Dr. Loki Skylizard answered

Specializes in Thoracic Surgery

YES: Yes, smoking is the biggest risk factor in the majority of lung cancer. However, there are marked decrease in risk the greater duration you have quit. This link to reputable source may help you understand benefits of quitting: http://goo.Gl/vd4ue.

Answered 9/28/2016

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