Small-Cell Lung Cancer Causes• The

Small-Cell Lung Cancer Causes• The predominant cause of both small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer is tobacco smoking. However, small-cell lung cancer is more strongly linked to smoking than non-small cell lung cancer.• Even secondhand tobacco smoke is a risk factor for lung cancer. Those living with a smoker have an almost 30% increase in the risk of developing lung cancer compared to people who are not exposed to secondhand smoke.• All types of lung cancer occur with increased frequency in people who mine uranium, but small-cell lung cancer is most common. The prevalence is increased further in persons who smoke.• Exposure to radon (an inert gas that develops from the decay of uranium) has been reported to cause small-cell lung cancer.• Exposure to asbestos greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. A combination of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking increases the risk even further.