There are many different causes of lung cancer but the most common cause is smoking.
More than 7 in 10 cases of lung cancer are caused by tobacco smoke. 3 in 10 cases are not.
Other causes of lung cancer include breathing in, over a long time:
- radon - a natural radioactive gas in the air
- carcinogens - chemicals and substances that cause cancer
You are at higher risk of lung cancer if:
- a close relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, has had lung cancer
- you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Things you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.
You can:
- quit smoking, if you smoke
- avoid secondhand smoke
- take steps to reduce your radon risk
- avoid cancer-causing chemicals and substances
- eat well and stay active
Smoking and lung cancer
If you smoke, the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to quit.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 toxic substances that are carcinogenic (cancer-producing).
Your risk of developing lung cancer:
- is higher if you smoke or smoked
- gets higher the more you smoke
- gets higher the longer you smoke
Quit smoking with our help
We know quitting can be hard. Getting the right help can double your chances of success.
We offer free support and advice on options that help with nicotine withdrawal.
Our team can support you every step of the way.
Sign up for a free Quit plan
Freephone 1800 201 203
Find stop smoking services
How quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer
It is never too late to quit.
You will reduce your risk of cancer if you quit:
- at any age
- even if you smoked for a long time
After 10 years of not smoking, your chance of getting lung cancer is halved.
Other tobacco products
Using other types of tobacco products can increase your risk of getting lung cancer.
These products include:
- cigars
- pipe tobacco
- snuff (a powdered form of tobacco)
- chewing tobacco
They also increase your risk of getting other types of cancer, such as oesophageal cancer and mouth cancer.
Cannabis and lung cancer
If you smoke cannabis often and over a long time, you may be at risk of lung cancer.
This is because most people who smoke cannabis:
- mix it with tobacco
- inhale more deeply
- hold the smoke in the lungs for longer
Avoid secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is when other people smoke, and you breathe in the smoke. It also increases your cancer risk.
Keep your home, car and workplace smoke free.
Protect your family from secondhand smoke
Vaping and lung cancer
Using an e-cigarette is known as vaping. Smoking cigarettes and vaping are both ways to inhale nicotine.
We are still learning about the long-term risks of vaping.
But vaping liquids can contain chemicals that:
- are harmful when you inhale them into your lungs
- can cause cancer (carcinogens)
Find out about the risks of vaping
Radon
Radon is a natural radioactive gas in the air that can cause lung cancer.
It comes from tiny amounts of uranium present in all rocks and soils. Parts of Ireland have high amounts of radon.
Radon can sometimes be found in buildings. If you breathe in radon, it can damage your lungs. You are at risk of lung cancer if you are exposed to radon over a long time.
About 350 cases of lung cancer in Ireland every year are linked to radon.
Your risk of getting lung cancer from radon is 25 times higher if you smoke than someone who has never smoked.
Reduce your radon risk
To protect yourself from radon:
- test the radon level in your home or workplace
- take action to reduce the radon level if it is high
- get help to quit smoking
Test your radon levels and check the radon risk map - epa.ie
Cancer-causing substances at work
You may be exposed to cancer-causing substances in your workplace.
These chemicals and substances include:
- arsenic
- beryllium
- cadmium
- coal and coke fumes
- silica
- nickel
- diesel fumes - if you are exposed often and over many years
- asbestos - this causes cancer of the lining of your lung
Follow your workplace safety regulations and advice to reduce your risk of lung cancer.
Eat well
Good eating habits and eating a wide variety of nourishing foods can reduce your risk of cancer in general.
You may lower your risk of lung cancer by eating:
- fruit and vegetables
- foods higher in vitamin C
- foods containing isoflavones (for example, soya beans, green beans, lentils, chickpeas, texturised vegetable protein, tofu and soya drinks)
Stay active
Being physically active may lower your risk of getting lung cancer, especially if you smoke or used to smoke.
Being active helps:
- your immune system
- keep your hormones at a healthy level
Be physically active as part of everyday life. For example, walk more and sit less.
Fit physical activity into your day
Limit alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases your risk of cancer in general.