The changing epidemic of lung cancer and occupational and environmental risk factors

Abstract

The epidemiology of lung cancer continues to evolve. Since the invention of a machine that could rapidly manufacture cigarettes in the 1880s, tobacco smoking has progressively been the major causative agent for the lung cancer epidemic. Until tobacco inhalation is ceased, globally, there will continue to be readily preventable lung cancers. Because cigarettes and other products the tobacco industry develops or modifies for inhalation are continually changing, the types of lung cancer could continue to change. There are other causes of lung cancer in people who never smoke, which include environmental and occupational. Enough is now known to implement strong policies that could eliminate most lung cancers.