Things that may cause cancer at home and work
There may be several things that can cause cancer (carcinogens) in the workplace or even in the home. For example, radon gas causes lung cancer and is sometimes found in people's homes. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that comes from rocks and dirt and can get trapped in houses and buildings. Examples of substances found at some workplaces that increase risk include asbestos, arsenic, and some forms of silica and chromium. For many of these substances, risk of getting lung cancer is even higher for those who also smoke. Other substances may increase lung cancer risk as well.Family history
Risk of lung cancer may be higher if a person's parents, siblings (brother or sister), or children have had lung cancer. This increased risk could come from one or more things. They may share behaviors, like smoking. They may live in the same place where there are carcinogens such as radon. They may have inherited increased risk in their genes.Diet
Scientists are studying many different foods to see how they may change the risk of getting lung cancer. However any effect diet may have on lung cancer risk is small compared with the risk from smoking. Eating a lot of fat and cholesterol might increase risk of lung cancer. Drinking a lot of alcohol may raise risk as well. However it's hard to tell how much of the risk in people who drink is actually due to tobacco smoke, since many people both smoke and drink. Some foods may actually help prevent lung cancer. Diets high in fruits and vegetables likely decrease cancer risk. Diets high in vitamin C, vitamin E, or selenium might also help protect against lung cancer. The effect of eating foods with carotenoids, like beta-carotene, on lung cancer risk is currently uncertain. Carotenoids can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and some green vegetables. Eating these foods may lower chances of lung cancer. Taking beta-carotene supplements (pills) is not recommended however, since it may actually increase risk in some smokers(published with permission in writing from:http://www.cdc.gov/)
