Southlake, TX – July15, 2019– Non-small cell lung cancer grows and spreads slowly and is the most common among other lung cancers.Non-small cell lung cancer mostly affects people who smoke or those who smoked before. People who don’t smoke can also develop the disease. Risk factors can influence the development of cancer, although most of them do not cause it.

“Understanding your risk factors and consulting your doctor about them will help you make informed health care and lifestyle choices,” said Dr. Mackey. “Both smokers and non-smokers can develop non-small cell lung cancer, that is why it is important to know the risk factors as well as the signs and symptoms of the disease.”

Here are some of the non-small cell lung cancer risk factors:

• Tobacco use – Smoking of tobacco (cigars, pipes, or cigarettes) increases the risk of non-small cell lung cancer. Heavy smokers and those who started smoking at a young age are at higher risk. But people can significantly reduce the risk if they stop smoking.

• Exposure to asbestos–People who work in mills, mines, shipyards, textile plants, and other places that use insulation are exposed to asbestos. Long-term exposure to asbestos places them at high risk, and they are likely to die of lung cancer. Exposure to large amounts of asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos is present in older buildings and homes.

• Genetic risk – A personal or family history of lung cancer will significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. Sisters, brothers, and children of those who have had lung cancer would be at higher risk of the disease, especially if the relative had lung cancer at a younger age.

• Previous radiation treatment – People who underwent radiation therapy to the chest for other types of cancers such as Hodgkin disease or radiation after mastectomy are likely to develop lung cancer.

“Although ways for preventing non-small cell lung cancer have not been discovered, people can lower their risks to avoid getting the disease,” continued Dr. Mackey. “Your health care team can provide you more information about your personal risks.”


About Southlake Oncology
Southlake Oncology, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders. Like the other Choice Cancer Care facilities, we are an independent treatment center that is physician-owned.