Lung cancer symptoms and risk factors

What are the risk factors?

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chances of developing a certain condition, such as cancer. It is possible to avoid or reduce the impact of some risk factors. Some people develop lung cancer without having any risk factors. The following factors are known to increase the risk of lung cancer. This does not mean you will develop lung cancer, but if you are concerned, talk to your doctor.

Tobacco smoking factors

Most cases of lung cancer are caused by tobacco smoking. The earlier a person starts smoking, the longer they smoke and the more they smoke, the higher their risk of developing lung cancer.

People who have never smoked can also get lung cancer. About 15% of cases occur in men who have never smoked, and about 30% of cases occur in women who have never smoked.

Environmental or work-related factors

Second-hand smoke – Breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke (second-hand smoke) may cause lung cancer. Living with someone who smokes is estimated to increase the risk of lung cancer by up to 30% in people who don’t smoke.

Exposure to asbestos – People who are exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma. Although the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned in Australia since 2004, asbestos may still be found in some older buildings and fences.

Exposure to other elements – People who have been exposed to radioactive gas (radon), such as uranium miners, have an increased risk of lung cancer. Outdoor and indoor air pollution (e.g. exposure to household air pollution from gas, oil, or wood-burning cooking or heating) is another risk factor. Contact with the processing of arsenic, cadmium, steel and nickel, and exposure to diesel engine exhaust and welding fumes while working may also be risk factors.

Working with materials containing crystalline silica (e.g. stone, sand, rock, bricks, tiles, concrete, artificial stone) can generate silica dust, which may cause a lung disease called silicosis when breathed in and is a risk factor for lung cancer. The use of engineered stone has been banned in Australia since July 2024.

Personal factors

Older age – Lung cancer is diagnosed mostly in people aged over 60 years, although it can occur in younger people.

Family history – You may be at a slightly higher risk if a family member has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Other conditions – Having another lung disease – lung fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, emphysema or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) – or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may increase the risk of lung cancer.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of lung cancer are:

• a new cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, or a cough you have had for a long time that gets worse
• breathlessness or wheezing
• pain in the chest or shoulder
• a chest infection that is recurring or lasts more than 3 weeks
• coughing or spitting up blood.

Lung cancer may also cause other and more general symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, abdominal (belly) pain, joint pain, neck or face swelling, sweats, and enlarged fingertips (finger clubbing).

Having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have lung cancer; they may be caused by other conditions or from other effects of smoking. Sometimes, there are no symptoms and the cancer is found during routine tests for other conditions. If you have symptoms, see your doctor without delay.

Guides to Best Cancer Care

Find an overview of what to expect at every stage of your lung cancer care. This is a short guide to what is recommended, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.