Lung cancer
Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. There are some other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Anything that can increase your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor.
Different cancers have different risk factors. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you will definitely get that cancer.
Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. More than 60 out of 100 lung cancers (more than 60%) are caused by smoking. This includes breathing in other people’s cigarette smoke.
Even light or occasional smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. But your risk increases more the longer you smoke and the more you smoke. Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. The sooner you stop, the better.
Some substances increase the risk of lung cancer. These include asbestos, silica, and diesel exhaust. People can be exposed to these through their work.
Asbestos was used in shipbuilding and the construction industry in the 1960s. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but some construction workers in older buildings might still be exposed to it. There are strict laws about work that involves asbestos. This might be, for example, when working in or repairing structures containing asbestos. Smoking increases the risk from asbestos exposure.
Silica is a substance used in some construction and material industries. These include industries such as glass making and bricklaying. People who have worked as bricklayers can have a slightly increased risk of lung cancer. It can cause a condition known as silicosis, which increases the risk of lung cancer.
Diesel engine exhaust fume exposure increases the risk of lung cancer. So, people who are regularly exposed to exhaust fumes through their jobs have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. This includes professional drivers and mechanics.
We know that air pollution can cause lung cancer. The risk depends on the levels of air pollution you are regularly exposed to. At UK levels, the extra risk for each person is likely to be small. Exposure to outdoor air pollution causes 8 out of 100 (8%) lung cancer cases in the UK.
Previous lung diseases can increase your risk of lung cancer. These risks are usually higher in smokers.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also called chronic obstructive airways disease. It means long term lung illnesses such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD usually develops because of long-term damage to your lungs from breathing in a harmful substance, usually cigarette smoke. Your risk of lung cancer is higher if you have COPD or lung infection (pneumonia) compared to people who don’t have it.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) also increases the risk of a lung cancer developing. This is compared to people who don’t have it.
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from tiny amounts of uranium present in all rocks and soils. Radon gas can build up in homes and other buildings. The highest levels are in south west England but higher than average levels may be found in many other parts of the UK.
Exposure to radon causes a small number of lung cancers in the UK. The risk increases if you smoke. So, it’s even more important to stop smoking if you live in a high radon area.
Your risk of lung cancer is higher if you have a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) who has had lung cancer.
Researchers are looking at how our genes could affect our risk of lung cancer.
Read more about family history and having an increased cancer risk
Some research has shown that taking high doses of beta-carotene (20 to 30 milligrams per day) from supplements could increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke. It might also increase the risk in people who used to smoke. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, or used to smoke, and are considering starting a high dose beta-carotene supplement.
There is no good evidence that beta-carotene supplements increase the risk of any other type of cancer.
We have more detailed information for health professionals about lung cancer risks and causes.
Go to the Cancer Statistics section
Stories about possible cancer causes are often in the media and it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. You may have heard of something that isn’t included here. This is because we only include a risk factor in this information if it is supported by good quality evidence.
Find out about common cancer myths and questions on the causes of cancer
There are ways you can reduce your risk of cancer.
Last reviewed: 14 Mar 2023
Next review due: 14 Mar 2026
Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms can include a cough that won't go away, coughing up blood and breathlessness.
You usually start by seeing your GP, and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. Or you might be referred to a specialist and further tests if screening for lung cancer or a lung health check showed that you might have lung cancer.
The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. The type tells which type of cell the cancer started from.
In the UK, the National Screening Committee recommends that people at high risk of lung cancer are invited to screening. This is called targeted lung cancer screening.
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of lung cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health.
Lung cancer starts in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus) or the lung tissue. Cancer that starts in the lung is called primary lung cancer.
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