The major cause of non-small cell cancer is smoking -- approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases are from smoking. Cigarette smoke contains a lot of cancer-causing chemicals, and smoking brings the chemicals directly to the lungs. Although it is not known exactly what causes the remaining percentage of people to get lung cancer, there are a few likely candidates. These include genetics and exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as radon, asbestos, mustard gas, cigar smoke, and radiation. Rarely, people who have had other lung problems, like tuberculosis, may be at a higher risk of non-small cell lung cancer.
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