Which Lung Diseases Can Cause Cancer?

An estimated 1 in 16 Americans develops lung cancer, according to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. While smoking is often a source of cancer, there’s also a strong connection between cancer and other lung diseases.

At Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic lung diseases, including those that increase your risk of lung cancer and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Pulmonary experts Ashok Tyagi, DO, CPE, and Himanshu Chandarana, MD, offer preventive screenings to identify warning signs of cancer in the earliest stages, when treatment is generally most effective.

We also offer educational resources to help you understand your risk factors for lung cancer so you can take precautions, especially if you have an existing lung disease.

Lung conditions that increase cancer risks

Several lung diseases linked to cancer also increase your risk of lifelong respiratory complications. These include:

1. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. The sacs can also fill with fluids or pus and trigger a persistent cough and breathing issues.

2. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection in the lungs. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets in the air produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or laughs.

3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD describes a group of diseases that restrict your breathing, trigger airway inflammation, and damage the air sacs in the lungs.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two common types of COPD. The leading cause of COPD-related complications is smoking.

Proactive strategies to prevent lung cancer

There’s no surefire way to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce your risk. Consider these recommendations from our pulmonary experts:

Stay on track with existing lung treatments

If you’re receiving treatment for an existing lung disease, stick to your care plan. Not following medical guidance can lead to respiratory failure, cancer, and other complications.

Quit smoking

Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are primary causes of many lung conditions, including cancer. If you need help quitting, you can rely on our medically supervised smoking cessation program for the support and resources to quit smoking for good.

Protect yourself from environmental toxins

Depending on where you live, you may need to have your home tested for radon and other toxins that can damage the lungs. Also, take precautions at work if you’re exposed to asbestos, smoke, or other substances that can irritate or inflame the lungs.

Schedule routine screenings

Our providers can assess your risk of lung cancer and recommend a schedule for preventive screenings, including blood work, chest X-rays, and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).

Eat nutrient-rich foods

Foods that contain antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E benefit the lungs and prevent damage caused by inflammation and free radicals. Add whole grains, fatty fishes, fresh fruits, and leafy greens to your regular diet to support lung health.

Call Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep in St. Petersburg, Florida, today to schedule a preventive lung cancer evaluation.