Lung cancer : London Health

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is the second most common cancer in England and Wales. Lung cancer is much more common in people that smoke but it can also affect non-smokers; non smokers only account for between 5 and 10 percent of lung cancer cases. There are two types of lung cancer; these are known as small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer; non-small cell lung cancer is much more common.

Causes of lung cancer

The most common cause of cancer is smoking; smoking is associated with 90 percent of lung cancer cases in the UK. Passive smoking and smoking cannabis have also been linked to lung cancer. Exposure to some harmful substances and chemicals can also contribute to lung cancer; examples include arsenic, asbestos and fumes from burning coal.