Is Smoking Really the Cause of Cancer? Exploring Risks Beyond Cigarettes 

Probably one of the first things usually associated with cancer, mainly lung cancer, is smoking. Is it the real culprit? Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes increases the chances of a person developing cancer, although other surprising agents can cause this disease without smoking. Know these alternative risks to help you, a smoker or not, gain a better picture of how you can reduce the risk of developing this catastrophic disease.

Smoking and Cancer: The Direct Link
In essence, it is very dangerous to smoke because the products account for nearly 6 million deaths worldwide annually. A cigarette contains more than 70 chemicals that can hurt cells and cause mutation changes that may become cancerous. In fact, some of the cancers are usually associated with regular smokers with a high risk for causing lung cancer and others at the bladder, pancreas level of the esophagus up to the mouth.

But Smoking Isn't the Only Cause: Other Cancer Risks to Know
Many people believe that smoking is the only risk factor for lung cancer. But this is not the case. Even non-smokers can suffer from the disease. In the United States, it is estimated that 10-20% of lung cancer occurs among people who have never smoked in their lives or have never done so very minimally. Here are some other cancer risk factors that are not just as simple as smoking but also very significant:

Secondhand Smoke: This is now one of the main reasons for cancer among a non-smoker. All those dangerous carcinogens inhaled by a smoker are again inhaled by a person exposed to secondhand smoke. As many as 20-30% of the non-smokers, who are subjected to it indoors or at work, end up contracting lung cancer.

Exhalation of Radon : This is a natural radon that emerges from the ground and has been contributing to exposure of homes or building. Based on epidemiologic studies in the United States, it causes 2,900 cases of lung cancer per year among people that were never smokers. Testing their homes for this element also makes some risk factors minimize.

Air Pollution: The increased concentration of pollutants, such as diesel exhaust and industrial emissions, may increase the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers also. Those residing in urban or industrial areas are at higher risks of developing cancer due to prolonged exposure to these toxins.

Genetic Factors: People will inherit a susceptibility for specific cancers, such as an inherited mutation of the EGFR gene, which occurs in a greater proportion of non-smokers with lung cancer.

Asbestos and Other Toxic Substances: Exposure to asbestos, chromium, and other industrial chemicals is also known to increase the chance of getting lung cancer. The risk is minimized if people take preventive measures at their workplaces.

Being Informed about Lung Cancer Symptoms
It's always essential to know whether or not you've been exposed to cigarette smoke to know the symptoms of lung cancer, which are as follows:

Persistent coughing or coughing up blood
Breathing difficulties
Chest pain
Unusual fatigue or recurrent chest infections
Consult your doctor if you experience either of these conditions

General Precautions for Everyone
Take these measures to minimize your risk of developing cancer.

Avoid Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Smoke-free homes and workplaces
Test Your Home for Radon: If you live in a location identified as having high levels of radon, check your home for it
Minimize Your Exposure to Air Pollutants: If you work out outdoors, postpone outdoor workouts when air pollution is heavy. Use air purifiers inside your home.
Know your family history: If lung cancer is a hereditary disease in your family, talk to your doctor about preventive measures.