It is surprising that people can develop this life-threatening disease even if they have never smoked a tobacco product throughout their lives. Three major factors play a role– the environment, lifestyle, and genetics. Radon gas, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms naturally as a result of the decay of radioactive elements can be an important environmental constituent. Spending a large amount of time in areas where one is exposed to secondhand smoke could increase the risk of falling prey to the disease. Individuals with a family history of lung cancer are also more likely to develop lung cancer themselves.
