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Clinical trials are research studies that help to determine whether new treatments are safe and effective, or better than existing treatments. In most cases, the treatment that is being studied in a clinical trial has already shown promise of being an improvement over the standard treatment [1]. Clinical trials are important because their results help doctors understand which treatments, or combinations of treatments, provide the best results. In lung cancer, clinical trials have helped doctors discover targeted treatments, as well as helping to define how best to combine chemotherapy and radiation.

If a new treatment offered in a clinical trial proves to be effective, it may become a new standard of care. Many of today’s most effective treatments are based on results from previous clinical trials [2] Because of progress made through clinical trials many people with cancer are living longer and better. Patients enrolled in a clinical trial may be the first to receive new treatments before they become widely offered.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

Because our lungs draw in and utilize the air from outside of our body, anything that we breathe in can affect their health. The most important risk factor for lung cancer is smoking tobacco [3]. Nearly 87% of all lung cancers in the United States are smoking-related. Quitting smoking helps to reduce that risk – learn more about smoking cessation programs. Exposure to second hand smoke also increases the risk of lung cancer [4]. According to the Surgeon General’s Report on the effects of second hand smoke, non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20 percent to 30 percent. Second hand smoke also increases the risk of heart disease and other ailments.

Exposure other environmental substances or exposures that can increase the risk of developing lung cancer include:

For more information about the different steps and tests for making a lung cancer diagnosis, see the Diagnosing Lung Cancer section.

Asbestos are tiny, hair-like fibers found in some types of rock. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is fireproof and insulating and was used in building construction materials and in some manufacturing processes. When asbestos is inhaled, the fibers can irritate the lung and may eventually cause lung disease [5]. People who smoke and are exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Fortunately, professional protective breathing equipment can reduce the risk of breathing in asbestos fibers for those who work with or around asbestos.

Radon is an odourless gas released by some soil and rocks that contain uranium. Some homes may have high levels of radon, especially on the lower levels, because they are built on soil that naturally contains radon. You Industrial substances can include arsenic, uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust.

• Radiation exposure such as X-rays to the chest are can increase the risk of lungcancer,especially in people who smoke [6].

• Air pollution can contain trace amounts of diesel exhaust, coal products, and other industrial substances.

• Tuberculosis can cause scarring of lung tissue, which can be a risk factor for developing lung cancer.

• Genetics can also play a role in the development of lung cancer through inherited or environmentally-acquired gene mutations.

• Military service may have presented both veterans and active- duty personnel with exposures to industrial substances, asbestos bearing materials, and air pollution, as well as exposure to tactical chemicals (Agent Orange, for example). In addition, military past and current military personnel present with significantlyhigher smoking rates.